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National American University-Rapid City vs Mount Marty University: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Rapid City SD · vs · Private nonprofit, Yankton SD

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Mount Marty University comes closer — median earnings $48,179 against a $88,908 total, vs $37,325 at National American University-Rapid City. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureNational American University-Rapid CityMount Marty University
Net price / yr$31,062$22,227
Total net cost$124,248$88,908
Median earnings, 10 yrs$37,325$48,179
Median debt$29,020$26,396
Payback
20-year net return-$344,948-$92,528

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

Which is cheaper, National American University-Rapid City or Mount Marty University?

Mount Marty University, at $22,227 a year after aid versus $31,062 — a gap of $8,835 a year, or $35,340 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do National American University-Rapid City or Mount Marty University graduates earn more?

Mount Marty University graduates report a median $48,179 ten years after entry, $10,854 more than the $37,325 at National American University-Rapid City. 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, National American University-Rapid City or Mount Marty University?

Mount Marty University: its completers carry a median $26,396 in federal loans versus $29,020 at National American University-Rapid City, a difference of $2,624. 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 Mount Marty University, against 0% at National American University-Rapid City. 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.

National American University-Rapid City vs Mount Marty University: frequently asked questions

Is National American University-Rapid City or Mount Marty University a better value?
Mount Marty 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, National American University-Rapid City or Mount Marty University?
Mount Marty University: $22,227/yr net price after aid versus $31,062/yr at National American University-Rapid City — a difference of $8,835 a year, or about $35,340 over four years.
Do National American University-Rapid City or Mount Marty University graduates earn more?
Mount Marty University graduates earn a median $48,179 ten years after entry, versus $37,325 at National American University-Rapid City — a $10,854 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.