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Minot State University vs Dickinson State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Minot ND · vs · Public, Dickinson ND

The verdict

Minot State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,812 in 14.9 years versus 23.9 years at Dickinson State University, on median earnings of $51,759 vs $50,720 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMinot State UniversityDickinson State University
Net price / yr$12,703$14,092
Total net cost$50,812$56,368
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,759$50,720
Median debt$19,609$18,442
Payback14.9 yrs23.9 yrs
20-year net return$17,168-$9,168

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

Which is cheaper, Minot State University or Dickinson State University?

Minot State University, at $12,703 a year after aid versus $14,092 — a gap of $1,389 a year, or $5,556 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Minot State University or Dickinson State University graduates earn more?

Minot State University graduates report a median $51,759 ten years after entry, $1,039 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, Minot State University or Dickinson State University?

Dickinson State University: its completers carry a median $18,442 in federal loans versus $19,609 at Minot State University, a difference of $1,167. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

51% of students finish at Dickinson State University, against 45% at Minot 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.

Minot State University vs Dickinson State University: frequently asked questions

Is Minot State University or Dickinson State University a better value?
Minot State University. It clears its $50,812 net cost in about 14.9 years versus 23.9 years at Dickinson State University, on median earnings of $51,759 vs $50,720 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Minot State University or Dickinson State University?
Minot State University: $12,703/yr net price after aid versus $14,092/yr at Dickinson State University — a difference of $1,389 a year, or about $5,556 over four years.
Do Minot State University or Dickinson State University graduates earn more?
Minot State University graduates earn a median $51,759 ten years after entry, versus $50,720 at Dickinson State University — a $1,039 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.