Bemidji State University
Bemidji State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Bemidji State University at a Glance
Bemidji State University (BSU) is a public university in Bemidji, Minnesota, United States. Founded as a preparatory institution for teachers in 1919, it provides higher education to north-central Minnesota. It is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
1919
107 years old
$23M
$22.8 million (2016)
6,354
5,912 undergrad · 437 grad
246
Identity
Is Bemidji State University Worth It?
Bemidji State University offers moderate value at $15,261/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $53,755, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Bemidji State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #29 of 89 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #2 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #3 | Bates Technical College | 86 | $6,292 | $50,051 |
| #4 | Snow College | 83 | $5,552 | $41,022 |
| #5 | Saint Johns River State College | 80 | $6,135 | $41,728 |
| #6 | Renton Technical College | 76 | $8,296 | $49,782 |
| #29 | Bemidji State University | 45 | $15,261 | $53,755 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Bemidji State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MN.
Best Programs at Bemidji State University
The highest-earning program at Bemidji State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $28,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Bemidji State University earns $61,400, while a Biology, General graduate earns $28,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $17,000 in median debt vs. $20,566 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,261/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $61,400 | $61,400 | $17,000 |
| Engineering Technology, General | $59,800 | $59,800 | $18,511 |
| Computer Science | $55,400 | $55,400 | $20,500 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $51,300 | $51,300 | $22,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,500 | $44,500 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $39,500 | $39,500 | $21,375 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,100 | $39,100 | $19,443 |
| Social Work | $38,300 | $38,300 | $24,982 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,200 | $35,200 | $23,672 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $34,000 | $34,000 | $21,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,800 | $33,800 | $19,252 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $32,800 | $32,800 | $21,902 |
| Psychology, General | $31,900 | $31,900 | $22,366 |
| Biology, General | $28,000 | $28,000 | $20,566 |
Similar Colleges in MN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Bemidji, MN
- Student Body
- 3,139 students
- Admission Rate
- 56%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,261
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,755
- Median Student Debt
- $19,750