Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota College at Bottineau vs North Dakota State College of Science
Compare average net price ($10,039 at Dakota College at Bottineau; $11,261 at North Dakota State College of Science), ROI score (10.10 vs 11.21), ten-year median earnings ($40,576 vs $50,513), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Dakota College at Bottineau; Open / not reported at North Dakota State College of Science) using federal College Scorecard data. North Dakota State College of Science has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. North Dakota State College of Science 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 | Dakota College at Bottineau | North Dakota State College of Science |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.10 | 11.21 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,039 ✓ | $11,261 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,576 | $50,513 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 48% | 54.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,507 ✓ | $12,000 |
| Enrollment | 399 | 1,909 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
North Dakota State College of Science costs $1,222 more per year than Dakota College at Bottineau ($11,261 vs $10,039). North Dakota State College of Science graduates report $9,937 higher median earnings after ten years ($50,513 vs $40,576). On EduGradify's model that puts North Dakota State College of Science ahead on projected ROI (11.21 vs 10.10, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (North Dakota State College of Science) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Dakota College at Bottineau vs North Dakota State College of Science, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dakota College at Bottineau or North Dakota State College of Science the better value?
North Dakota State College of Science has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.21 vs 10.10), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Dakota College at Bottineau is cheaper — average net price $10,039 per year vs $11,261 at North Dakota State College of Science. The annual difference of $1,222 adds up to about $4,888 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
North Dakota State College of Science reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $50,513 vs $40,576 at Dakota College at Bottineau. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,937.
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. Dakota College at Bottineau reports a B value grade; North Dakota State College of Science reports A.