Williston State College vs Dakota College at Bottineau: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Williston State College comes closer — median earnings $44,017 against a $11,864 total, vs $40,576 at Dakota College at Bottineau. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Williston State College | Dakota College at Bottineau |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $5,932 | $10,039 |
| Total net cost | $11,864 | $20,078 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,017 | $40,576 |
| Median debt | $10,099 | $10,507 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$98,724 | -$175,758 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Williston State College or Dakota College at Bottineau?
Williston State College, at $5,932 a year after aid versus $10,039 — a gap of $4,107 a year, or $8,214 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Williston State College or Dakota College at Bottineau graduates earn more?
Williston State College graduates report a median $44,017 ten years after entry, $3,441 more than the $40,576 at Dakota College at Bottineau. 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, Williston State College or Dakota College at Bottineau?
Williston State College: its completers carry a median $10,099 in federal loans versus $10,507 at Dakota College at Bottineau, a difference of $408. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
48% of students finish at Dakota College at Bottineau, against 42% at Williston 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.