Dickinson State University vs Valley City State University: which has better ROI?
Valley City State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $47,560 in 10.9 years versus 23.9 years at Dickinson State University, on median earnings of $52,725 vs $50,720 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Dickinson State University | Valley City State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,092 | $11,890 |
| Total net cost | $56,368 | $47,560 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,720 | $52,725 |
| Median debt | $18,442 | $20,369 |
| Payback | 23.9 yrs | 10.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$9,168 | $39,740 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Dickinson State University or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University, at $11,890 a year after aid versus $14,092 — a gap of $2,202 a year, or $8,808 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Dickinson State University or Valley City State University graduates earn more?
Valley City State University graduates report a median $52,725 ten years after entry, $2,005 more than the $50,720 at Dickinson State University. 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, Dickinson State University or Valley City State University?
Dickinson State University: its completers carry a median $18,442 in federal loans versus $20,369 at Valley City State University, a difference of $1,927. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Valley City State University, against 51% at Dickinson State University. 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.