Valley City State University vs Lake Region State College: which has better ROI?
Valley City State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $47,560 in 10.9 years versus 23.8 years at Lake Region State College, on median earnings of $52,725 vs $49,502 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Valley City State University | Lake Region State College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,890 | $13,577 |
| Total net cost | $47,560 | $27,154 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,725 | $49,502 |
| Median debt | $20,369 | $10,293 |
| Payback | 10.9 yrs | 23.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $39,740 | -$4,314 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Valley City State University or Lake Region State College?
Valley City State University, at $11,890 a year after aid versus $13,577 — a gap of $1,687 a year, or $20,406 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Valley City State University or Lake Region State College graduates earn more?
Valley City State University graduates report a median $52,725 ten years after entry, $3,223 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, Valley City State University or Lake Region State College?
Lake Region State College: its completers carry a median $10,293 in federal loans versus $20,369 at Valley City State University, a difference of $10,076. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Valley City State University, against 52% at Lake Region 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.