Head-to-head · 2026
Bismarck State College vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Bismarck State College, 2 for North Dakota State University-Main Campus — Bismarck State College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Bismarck State College | North Dakota State University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.21 ✓ | 10.00 |
| Avg net price | $10,270 ✓ | $15,543 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,277 | $62,203 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 95% |
| Graduation rate | 47.2% | 63.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,533 ✓ | $23,199 |
| Enrollment | 2,839 | 9,471 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1150 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
North Dakota State University-Main Campus costs $5,273 more per year than Bismarck State College ($15,543 vs $10,270). North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates report $7,926 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,203 vs $54,277). On EduGradify's model that puts Bismarck State College ahead on projected ROI (13.21 vs 10.00, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Bismarck State College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports 95% acceptance; Bismarck State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Bismarck State College vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Bismarck State College or North Dakota State University-Main Campus the better value?
Bismarck State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.21 vs 10.00), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Bismarck State College is cheaper — average net price $10,270 per year vs $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $5,273 adds up to about $21,092 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $62,203 vs $54,277 at Bismarck State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,926.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Bismarck State College reports a A value grade; North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports B.