Minot State University vs Lake Region State College: which has better ROI?
Minot State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,812 in 14.9 years versus 23.8 years at Lake Region State College, on median earnings of $51,759 vs $49,502 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Minot State University | Lake Region State College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,703 | $13,577 |
| Total net cost | $50,812 | $27,154 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,759 | $49,502 |
| Median debt | $19,609 | $10,293 |
| Payback | 14.9 yrs | 23.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $17,168 | -$4,314 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Minot State University or Lake Region State College?
Minot State University, at $12,703 a year after aid versus $13,577 — a gap of $874 a year, or $23,658 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 Lake Region State College graduates earn more?
Minot State University graduates report a median $51,759 ten years after entry, $2,257 more than the $49,502 at Lake Region 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, Minot State University or Lake Region State College?
Lake Region State College: its completers carry a median $10,293 in federal loans versus $19,609 at Minot State University, a difference of $9,316. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
52% of students finish at Lake Region State College, 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.