College Cost Planning in Watford City, ND 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Watford City, North Dakota. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Watford City as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$20,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$624
per month
Local Cost Market
1
benchmark points
Watford City Overview
Population
7,589
Student Population
859 (11.3%)
Cost of Living Index
92.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
College Cost Calculator for Watford City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$89,892
Total After Financial Aid
$89,892
Annual Cost
$22,473
Annual After Aid
$22,473
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $89,892 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,021 |
| Total Interest | $32,593 |
| Total Loan Cost | $122,485 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Watford City
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
1
Public tuition
$9,800
Private tuition
$20,000
Community college
$5,635
Cost of Living in Watford City vs. National Average
| Category | Watford City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $624 | $1,050 | -$426 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.3 | 100 | -7.700000000000003 |
Watford City's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Watford City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
859 students
Watford City has a total population of 7,589, with approximately 859 college students (11.3% of the population). Watford City has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Watford City
$40,005
Starting Salary
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~18 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Watford City earn a median starting salary of $40,005, which is $5,005 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 18 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $11,648 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in North Dakota
Fargo
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,318
Bismarck
8 colleges · Avg tuition $4,788
Grand Forks
5 colleges · Avg tuition $10,008
Minot
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,620
West Fargo
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Williston
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Mandan
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Dickinson
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Jamestown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Wahpeton
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Devils Lake
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Valley City
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,800
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Watford City
How we compile Watford City college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Watford City institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Watford City's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Watford City, ND?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Watford City is $9,800. Private university tuition averages $20,000, and community college tuition averages $5,635. When room and board ($12,673/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $22,473.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Watford City, ND?
Watford City uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 859, which represents 11.3% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Watford City?
The average rent near college campuses in Watford City is approximately $624 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 92.3 (national average is 100), a walk score of 43, and a public transit score of 19. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Watford City?
College graduates in Watford City earn a median starting salary of $40,005. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%. With an average financial aid package of $11,648 per student and a 68% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Watford City, ND?
With a median starting salary of $40,005 and an average 4-year public university cost of $89,892 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 18 years. The 68% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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