Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota College at Bottineau vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Dakota College at Bottineau, 2 for North Dakota State University-Main Campus — Dakota College at Bottineau 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 | 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 |
| Wins | 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.