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University of Mary vs Valley City State University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Bismarck ND · vs · Public, Valley City ND

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Mary has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,080 in 5.7 years versus 10.9 years at Valley City State University, on median earnings of $60,909 vs $52,725 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of MaryValley City State University
Net price / yr$17,770$11,890
Total net cost$71,080$47,560
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,909$52,725
Median debt$24,000$20,369
Payback5.7 yrs10.9 yrs
20-year net return$179,900$39,740

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

Which is cheaper, University of Mary or Valley City State University?

Valley City State University, at $11,890 a year after aid versus $17,770 — a gap of $5,880 a year, or $23,520 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 Mary or Valley City State University graduates earn more?

University of Mary graduates report a median $60,909 ten years after entry, $8,184 more than the $52,725 at Valley City State 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, University of Mary or Valley City State University?

Valley City State University: its completers carry a median $20,369 in federal loans versus $24,000 at University of Mary, a difference of $3,631. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at University of Mary, against 53% at Valley City 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.

University of Mary vs Valley City State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Mary or Valley City State University a better value?
University of Mary. It clears its $71,080 net cost in about 5.7 years versus 10.9 years at Valley City State University, on median earnings of $60,909 vs $52,725 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Mary or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University: $11,890/yr net price after aid versus $17,770/yr at University of Mary — a difference of $5,880 a year, or about $23,520 over four years.
Do University of Mary or Valley City State University graduates earn more?
University of Mary graduates earn a median $60,909 ten years after entry, versus $52,725 at Valley City State University — a $8,184 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.