North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs Bismarck State College: which has better ROI?
Bismarck State College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $20,540 in 3.5 years versus 4.5 years at North Dakota State University-Main Campus, on median earnings of $54,277 vs $62,203 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Bismarck State College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,543 | $10,270 |
| Total net cost | $62,172 | $20,540 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,203 | $54,277 |
| Median debt | $23,199 | $11,533 |
| Payback | 4.5 yrs | 3.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $214,688 | $97,800 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, North Dakota State University-Main Campus or Bismarck State College?
Bismarck State College, at $10,270 a year after aid versus $15,543 — a gap of $5,273 a year, or $41,632 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 University-Main Campus or Bismarck State College graduates earn more?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates report a median $62,203 ten years after entry, $7,926 more than the $54,277 at Bismarck State College. 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 University-Main Campus or Bismarck State College?
Bismarck State College: its completers carry a median $11,533 in federal loans versus $23,199 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus, a difference of $11,666. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
64% of students finish at North Dakota State University-Main Campus, against 47% at Bismarck State College. 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.