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Minot State University vs Valley City State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Minot ND · vs · Public, Valley City ND

The verdict

Valley City State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $47,560 in 10.9 years versus 14.9 years at Minot State University, on median earnings of $52,725 vs $51,759 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMinot State UniversityValley City State University
Net price / yr$12,703$11,890
Total net cost$50,812$47,560
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,759$52,725
Median debt$19,609$20,369
Payback14.9 yrs10.9 yrs
20-year net return$17,168$39,740

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

Which is cheaper, Minot State University or Valley City State University?

Valley City State University, at $11,890 a year after aid versus $12,703 — a gap of $813 a year, or $3,252 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 Valley City State University graduates earn more?

Valley City State University graduates report a median $52,725 ten years after entry, $966 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 Valley City State University?

Minot State University: its completers carry a median $19,609 in federal loans versus $20,369 at Valley City State University, a difference of $760. 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 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 Valley City State University: frequently asked questions

Is Minot State University or Valley City State University a better value?
Valley City State University. It clears its $47,560 net cost in about 10.9 years versus 14.9 years at Minot State University, on median earnings of $52,725 vs $51,759 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Minot State University or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University: $11,890/yr net price after aid versus $12,703/yr at Minot State University — a difference of $813 a year, or about $3,252 over four years.
Do Minot State University or Valley City State University graduates earn more?
Valley City State University graduates earn a median $52,725 ten years after entry, versus $51,759 at Minot State University — a $966 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.