Oglala Lakota College vs National American University-Rapid City: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but National American University-Rapid City comes closer — median earnings $37,325 against a $124,248 total, vs $22,517 at Oglala Lakota College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Oglala Lakota College | National American University-Rapid City |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $1,895 | $31,062 |
| Total net cost | $3,790 | $124,248 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $22,517 | $37,325 |
| Median debt | — | $29,020 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$520,650 | -$344,948 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Oglala Lakota College or National American University-Rapid City?
Oglala Lakota College, at $1,895 a year after aid versus $31,062 — a gap of $29,167 a year, or $120,458 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Oglala Lakota College or National American University-Rapid City graduates earn more?
National American University-Rapid City graduates report a median $37,325 ten years after entry, $14,808 more than the $22,517 at Oglala Lakota 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 graduates more of its students?
9% of students finish at Oglala Lakota 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.