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Minot State University vs University of Jamestown: which has better ROI?

Public, Minot ND · vs · Private nonprofit, Jamestown ND

The verdict

University of Jamestown has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,268 in 9.5 years versus 14.9 years at Minot State University, on median earnings of $56,621 vs $51,759 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMinot State UniversityUniversity of Jamestown
Net price / yr$12,703$19,567
Total net cost$50,812$78,268
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,759$56,621
Median debt$19,609$27,000
Payback14.9 yrs9.5 yrs
20-year net return$17,168$86,952

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

Which is cheaper, Minot State University or University of Jamestown?

Minot State University, at $12,703 a year after aid versus $19,567 — a gap of $6,864 a year, or $27,456 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 University of Jamestown graduates earn more?

University of Jamestown graduates report a median $56,621 ten years after entry, $4,862 more than the $51,759 at Minot 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 University of Jamestown?

Minot State University: its completers carry a median $19,609 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Jamestown, a difference of $7,391. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

49% of students finish at University of Jamestown, 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 University of Jamestown: frequently asked questions

Is Minot State University or University of Jamestown a better value?
University of Jamestown. It clears its $78,268 net cost in about 9.5 years versus 14.9 years at Minot State University, on median earnings of $56,621 vs $51,759 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Minot State University or University of Jamestown?
Minot State University: $12,703/yr net price after aid versus $19,567/yr at University of Jamestown — a difference of $6,864 a year, or about $27,456 over four years.
Do Minot State University or University of Jamestown graduates earn more?
University of Jamestown graduates earn a median $56,621 ten years after entry, versus $51,759 at Minot State University — a $4,862 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.