Head-to-head · 2026
Bismarck State College vs Valley City State University
Compare average net price ($10,270 at Bismarck State College; $11,890 at Valley City State University), ROI score (13.21 vs 11.09), ten-year median earnings ($54,277 vs $52,725), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Bismarck State College; 99.1% at Valley City State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Bismarck State College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Bismarck State College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | Valley City State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.21 ✓ | 11.09 |
| Avg net price | $10,270 ✓ | $11,890 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,277 ✓ | $52,725 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 99.1% |
| Graduation rate | 47.2% | 53.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,533 ✓ | $20,369 |
| Enrollment | 2,839 | 958 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1041 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Valley City State University costs $1,620 more per year than Bismarck State College ($11,890 vs $10,270). Bismarck State College graduates report $1,552 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,277 vs $52,725). On EduGradify's model that puts Bismarck State College ahead on projected ROI (13.21 vs 11.09, 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, Valley City State University reports 99.1% acceptance; Bismarck State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Bismarck State College vs Valley City State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Bismarck State College or Valley City State University the better value?
Bismarck State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.21 vs 11.09), 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 $11,890 at Valley City State University. The annual difference of $1,620 adds up to about $6,480 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Bismarck State College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,277 vs $52,725 at Valley City State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,552.
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; Valley City State University reports A.