North Dakota State College of Science vs Dickinson State University: which has better ROI?
North Dakota State College of Science has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $22,522 in 10.5 years versus 23.9 years at Dickinson State University, on median earnings of $50,513 vs $50,720 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | North Dakota State College of Science | Dickinson State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,261 | $14,092 |
| Total net cost | $22,522 | $56,368 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,513 | $50,720 |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $18,442 |
| Payback | 10.5 yrs | 23.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $20,538 | -$9,168 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, North Dakota State College of Science or Dickinson State University?
North Dakota State College of Science, at $11,261 a year after aid versus $14,092 — a gap of $2,831 a year, or $33,846 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do North Dakota State College of Science or Dickinson State University graduates earn more?
Dickinson State University graduates report a median $50,720 ten years after entry, $207 more than the $50,513 at North Dakota State College of Science. 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, North Dakota State College of Science or Dickinson State University?
North Dakota State College of Science: its completers carry a median $12,000 in federal loans versus $18,442 at Dickinson State University, a difference of $6,442. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at North Dakota State College of Science, against 51% at Dickinson 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.