Mayville State University
Mayville State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Mayville State University at a Glance
Mayville State University is a public university in Mayville, North Dakota, United States. It is part of the North Dakota University System.
1889
137 years old
1,134
84
301 acres
Identity
Is Mayville State University Worth It?
Mayville State University offers moderate value at $11,456/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $47,828, which is 11% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 40% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Mayville State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #19 of 41 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 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #2 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #3 | Haskell Indian Nations University | 90 | $3,134 | $37,043 |
| #4 | University of Minnesota-Morris | 90 | $8,837 | $50,919 |
| #5 | Grays Harbor College | 75 | $4,783 | $40,865 |
| #6 | University of Maine at Fort Kent | 68 | $7,482 | $51,077 |
| #19 | Mayville State University | 42 | $11,456 | $47,828 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Mayville State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in ND.
Best Programs at Mayville State University
The highest-earning program at Mayville State University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $40,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $36,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Mayville State University earns $40,600, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $36,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $18,500 in median debt vs. $21,694 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,456/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,600 | $40,600 | $18,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,600 | $36,600 | $21,694 |
Similar Colleges in ND
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Mayville, ND
- Student Body
- 733 students
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,456
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,828
- Median Student Debt
- $18,585