Bismarck State College vs University of Mary: which has better ROI?
Bismarck State College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $20,540 in 3.5 years versus 5.7 years at University of Mary, on median earnings of $54,277 vs $60,909 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Bismarck State College | University of Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $10,270 | $17,770 |
| Total net cost | $20,540 | $71,080 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,277 | $60,909 |
| Median debt | $11,533 | $24,000 |
| Payback | 3.5 yrs | 5.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $97,800 | $179,900 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Bismarck State College or University of Mary?
Bismarck State College, at $10,270 a year after aid versus $17,770 — a gap of $7,500 a year, or $50,540 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Bismarck State College or University of Mary graduates earn more?
University of Mary graduates report a median $60,909 ten years after entry, $6,632 more than the $54,277 at Bismarck State College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Bismarck State College or University of Mary?
Bismarck State College: its completers carry a median $11,533 in federal loans versus $24,000 at University of Mary, a difference of $12,467. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at University of Mary, against 47% at Bismarck State College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.