Degree Dividend
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Williston State College vs Turtle Mountain College: which has better ROI?

Public, Williston ND · vs · Private nonprofit, Belcourt ND

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Williston State College comes closer — median earnings $44,017 against a $11,864 total, vs $32,079 at Turtle Mountain College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWilliston State CollegeTurtle Mountain College
Net price / yr$5,932$3,428
Total net cost$11,864$13,712
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,017$32,079
Median debt$10,099
Payback
20-year net return-$98,724-$339,332

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

Which is cheaper, Williston State College or Turtle Mountain College?

Turtle Mountain College, at $3,428 a year after aid versus $5,932 — a gap of $2,504 a year, or $1,848 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 Turtle Mountain College graduates earn more?

Williston State College graduates report a median $44,017 ten years after entry, $11,938 more than the $32,079 at Turtle Mountain 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 graduates more of its students?

43% of students finish at Turtle Mountain College, 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.

Williston State College vs Turtle Mountain College: frequently asked questions

Is Williston State College or Turtle Mountain College a better value?
Williston State College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Williston State College or Turtle Mountain College?
Turtle Mountain College: $3,428/yr net price after aid versus $5,932/yr at Williston State College — a difference of $2,504 a year, or about $1,848 over four years.
Do Williston State College or Turtle Mountain College graduates earn more?
Williston State College graduates earn a median $44,017 ten years after entry, versus $32,079 at Turtle Mountain College — a $11,938 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.