University of Jamestown
University of Jamestown — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Jamestown at a Glance
The University of Jamestown is a private Christian university in Jamestown, North Dakota, United States. Founded in 1883 by the Presbyterian Church, it has about 1,300 students enrolled and has been co-educational from its founding. Until August 2013, the school was known as Jamestown College.
1883
143 years old
$45M
$45 million
1,290
110 acres
Identity
Is University of Jamestown Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, University of Jamestown is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $56,621 — 5% above average — while paying $19,567/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% 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.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Jamestown has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Jamestown compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #73 of 169 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #73 | University of Jamestown | 34 | $19,567 | $56,621 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Jamestown's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Jamestown
The highest-earning program at University of Jamestown is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $35,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Jamestown earns $58,900, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $35,900. 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 $27,000 in median debt vs. $23,984 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,567/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 | $58,900 | $58,900 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,900 | $35,900 | $23,984 |
Similar Colleges in ND
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Jamestown, ND
- Student Body
- 1,041 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,567
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,621
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000