Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota College at Bottineau vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Compare average net price ($10,039 at Dakota College at Bottineau; $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus), ROI score (10.10 vs 10.00), ten-year median earnings ($40,576 vs $62,203), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Dakota College at Bottineau; 95% at North Dakota State University-Main Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. Dakota College at Bottineau has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better 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 | Dakota College at Bottineau | North Dakota State University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.10 ✓ | 10.00 |
| Avg net price | $10,039 ✓ | $15,543 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,576 | $62,203 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 95% |
| Graduation rate | 48% | 63.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,507 ✓ | $23,199 |
| Enrollment | 399 | 9,471 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1150 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
North Dakota State University-Main Campus costs $5,504 more per year than Dakota College at Bottineau ($15,543 vs $10,039). North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates report $21,627 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,203 vs $40,576). On EduGradify's model that puts Dakota College at Bottineau ahead on projected ROI (10.10 vs 10.00, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Dakota College at Bottineau) 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; Dakota College at Bottineau does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Dakota College at Bottineau vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dakota College at Bottineau or North Dakota State University-Main Campus the better value?
Dakota College at Bottineau has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.10 vs 10.00), 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 $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $5,504 adds up to about $22,016 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 $40,576 at Dakota College at Bottineau. The annual gap in the federal data is $21,627.
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 University-Main Campus reports B.