Degree Dividend
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Mayville State University vs Williston State College: which has better ROI?

Public, Mayville ND · vs · Public, Williston ND

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Mayville State University comes closer — median earnings $47,828 against a $45,824 total, vs $44,017 at Williston State College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMayville State UniversityWilliston State College
Net price / yr$11,456$5,932
Total net cost$45,824$11,864
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,828$44,017
Median debt$18,585$10,099
Payback
20-year net return-$56,464-$98,724

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Mayville State University or Williston State College?

Williston State College, at $5,932 a year after aid versus $11,456 — a gap of $5,524 a year, or $33,960 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Mayville State University or Williston State College graduates earn more?

Mayville State University graduates report a median $47,828 ten years after entry, $3,811 more than the $44,017 at Williston 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, Mayville State University or Williston State College?

Williston State College: its completers carry a median $10,099 in federal loans versus $18,585 at Mayville State University, a difference of $8,486. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

42% of students finish at Williston State College, against 41% at Mayville 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.

Mayville State University vs Williston State College: frequently asked questions

Is Mayville State University or Williston State College a better value?
Mayville State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Mayville State University or Williston State College?
Williston State College: $5,932/yr net price after aid versus $11,456/yr at Mayville State University — a difference of $5,524 a year, or about $33,960 over four years.
Do Mayville State University or Williston State College graduates earn more?
Mayville State University graduates earn a median $47,828 ten years after entry, versus $44,017 at Williston State College — a $3,811 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.