National American University-Rapid City vs Western Dakota Technical College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Western Dakota Technical College comes closer — median earnings $40,240 against a $25,340 total, vs $37,325 at National American University-Rapid City. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | National American University-Rapid City | Western Dakota Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $31,062 | $12,670 |
| Total net cost | $124,248 | $25,340 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $37,325 | $40,240 |
| Median debt | $29,020 | $15,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$344,948 | -$187,740 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, National American University-Rapid City or Western Dakota Technical College?
Western Dakota Technical College, at $12,670 a year after aid versus $31,062 — a gap of $18,392 a year, or $98,908 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 Western Dakota Technical College graduates earn more?
Western Dakota Technical College graduates report a median $40,240 ten years after entry, $2,915 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 Western Dakota Technical College?
Western Dakota Technical College: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $29,020 at National American University-Rapid City, a difference of $14,020. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Western Dakota Technical College, 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.