Head-to-head · 2026
Bismarck State College vs University of North Dakota
Compare average net price ($10,270 at Bismarck State College; $18,551 at University of North Dakota), ROI score (13.21 vs 8.56), ten-year median earnings ($54,277 vs $63,552), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Bismarck State College; 76.9% at University of North Dakota) using federal College Scorecard data. Bismarck State College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Bismarck State College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Bismarck State College | University of North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.21 ✓ | 8.56 |
| Avg net price | $10,270 ✓ | $18,551 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,277 | $63,552 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 76.9% |
| Graduation rate | 47.2% | 60.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,533 ✓ | $22,057 |
| Enrollment | 2,839 | 9,981 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of North Dakota costs $8,281 more per year than Bismarck State College ($18,551 vs $10,270). University of North Dakota graduates report $9,275 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,552 vs $54,277). On EduGradify's model that puts Bismarck State College ahead on projected ROI (13.21 vs 8.56, 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, University of North Dakota reports 76.9% acceptance; Bismarck State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Bismarck State College vs University of North Dakota, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Bismarck State College or University of North Dakota the better value?
Bismarck State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.21 vs 8.56), 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 $18,551 at University of North Dakota. The annual difference of $8,281 adds up to about $33,124 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of North Dakota reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,552 vs $54,277 at Bismarck State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,275.
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; University of North Dakota reports B.