
1500 Birchmont Drive, NE, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699, USA


Bemidji State University has a graduation rate that places it in a lower percentile compared to many other institutions. Overall, about 53% of students complete their programs, situating the university in the bottom 45% nationally for graduation rates. When broken down by gender, the graduation rate is 46% for men, which is in the bottom 40%, while 60% of women graduate, placing them in the bottom 50%. This gulf suggests a notable difference in completion rates between male and female students.
The university's graduation timeline reveals that only 37% of students graduate within four years, a figure that similarly ranks in the bottom 40%. Extending the window to six years raises the graduation rate modestly to 52%, still reflecting a position in the lower 45% compared to peers.
Retention rates, however, offer a somewhat more positive indicator of student persistence. Bemidji State University retains approximately 78% of its students from year to year, placing it in the top 45% in this metric. This suggests that while many students remain enrolled past their first year, a considerable portion still do not complete their degrees in a timely manner.
The university's average student loan debt stands at $20,000, located in the bottom 35% nationally, implying a relatively moderate financial burden upon graduation.
Graduates of Bemidji State University experience a broad range of earning outcomes depending on their chosen field of study. Those with degrees in engineering-related technologies appear to command some of the highest salaries. For instance, graduates in Engineering Technology, General report an average annual income of $65,403, while those in Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians earn approximately $59,479.
Nursing is another field that demonstrates strong earning potential. Graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing can expect an average salary of $68,571, which is notably high compared to other disciplines.
Business-related degrees such as Accounting and Related Services and Business Administration, Management and Operations also provide competitive earnings. Accounting graduates report average earnings of $47,810, while those in Business Administration earn around $41,901 per year.
Design and Applied Arts graduates receive an average salary of $46,783, positioning the field favorably among mid-level earning opportunities at the university.
Among the sciences, Computer Science graduates earn a median salary of $44,023, followed by Criminal Justice and Corrections at $40,717 and Teacher Education and Professional Development with specific subject areas at $39,119.
Social Work graduates report earnings near $38,358, and those specializing in Teacher Education with specific levels and methods make about $35,652 annually. Psychology graduates can expect to earn approximately $33,925, while Biology majors receive around $29,149, and those in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management earn close to $29,521. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn about $28,438, rounding out the fields considered.
Career Centers:
Full time employees: 4
Part time employees: Data not available
Career Counselling:
Individual: All undergraduates
Group: All undergraduates
Career Center services:
Other information:
Job bank on campus
YesJob fairs on campus
YesOn campus employer recruitment
All undergraduatesBACHELOR’S Degree
Natural Resources and Conservation
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
English Language and Literature/Letters
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History
MASTER’S Degree
Natural Resources and Conservation
Education
English Language and Literature/Letters
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services