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University of Jamestown vs Lake Region State College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Jamestown ND · vs · Public, Devils Lake ND

The verdict

University of Jamestown has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,268 in 9.5 years versus 23.8 years at Lake Region State College, on median earnings of $56,621 vs $49,502 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of JamestownLake Region State College
Net price / yr$19,567$13,577
Total net cost$78,268$27,154
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,621$49,502
Median debt$27,000$10,293
Payback9.5 yrs23.8 yrs
20-year net return$86,952-$4,314

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Jamestown or Lake Region State College?

Lake Region State College, at $13,577 a year after aid versus $19,567 — a gap of $5,990 a year, or $51,114 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Jamestown or Lake Region State College graduates earn more?

University of Jamestown graduates report a median $56,621 ten years after entry, $7,119 more than the $49,502 at Lake Region 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, University of Jamestown or Lake Region State College?

Lake Region State College: its completers carry a median $10,293 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Jamestown, a difference of $16,707. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

52% of students finish at Lake Region State College, against 49% at University of Jamestown. 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.

University of Jamestown vs Lake Region State College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Jamestown or Lake Region State College a better value?
University of Jamestown. It clears its $78,268 net cost in about 9.5 years versus 23.8 years at Lake Region State College, on median earnings of $56,621 vs $49,502 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Jamestown or Lake Region State College?
Lake Region State College: $13,577/yr net price after aid versus $19,567/yr at University of Jamestown — a difference of $5,990 a year, or about $51,114 over four years.
Do University of Jamestown or Lake Region State College graduates earn more?
University of Jamestown graduates earn a median $56,621 ten years after entry, versus $49,502 at Lake Region State College — a $7,119 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.