South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs Augustana University: which has better ROI?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $80,732 in 3.4 years versus 8.8 years at Augustana University, on median earnings of $72,257 vs $59,217 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Augustana University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,183 | $23,894 |
| Total net cost | $80,732 | $95,576 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $72,257 | $59,217 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 8.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $397,208 | $121,564 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or Augustana University?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, at $20,183 a year after aid versus $23,894 — a gap of $3,711 a year, or $14,844 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or Augustana University graduates earn more?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates report a median $72,257 ten years after entry, $13,040 more than the $59,217 at Augustana University. 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, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or Augustana University?
Augustana University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
73% of students finish at Augustana University, against 53% at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. 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.