Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota College at Bottineau vs University of North Dakota
Compare average net price ($10,039 at Dakota College at Bottineau; $18,551 at University of North Dakota), ROI score (10.10 vs 8.56), ten-year median earnings ($40,576 vs $63,552), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Dakota College at Bottineau; 76.9% at University of North Dakota) using federal College Scorecard data. Dakota College at Bottineau has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Dakota College at Bottineau 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 | University of North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.10 ✓ | 8.56 |
| Avg net price | $10,039 ✓ | $18,551 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,576 | $63,552 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 76.9% |
| Graduation rate | 48% | 60.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,507 ✓ | $22,057 |
| Enrollment | 399 | 9,981 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of North Dakota costs $8,512 more per year than Dakota College at Bottineau ($18,551 vs $10,039). University of North Dakota graduates report $22,976 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,552 vs $40,576). On EduGradify's model that puts Dakota College at Bottineau ahead on projected ROI (10.10 vs 8.56, 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, University of North Dakota reports 76.9% acceptance; Dakota College at Bottineau does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Dakota College at Bottineau vs University of North Dakota, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dakota College at Bottineau or University of North Dakota the better value?
Dakota College at Bottineau has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.10 vs 8.56), 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 $18,551 at University of North Dakota. The annual difference of $8,512 adds up to about $34,048 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of North Dakota reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,552 vs $40,576 at Dakota College at Bottineau. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,976.
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; University of North Dakota reports B.