Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota State University vs Lake Area Technical College
Compare average net price ($21,057 at Dakota State University; $15,979 at Lake Area Technical College), ROI score (6.05 vs 7.11), ten-year median earnings ($50,970 vs $45,473), and admissions context (88.1% at Dakota State University; Open / not reported at Lake Area Technical College) using federal College Scorecard data. Lake Area Technical College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Lake Area Technical College 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 State University | Lake Area Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.05 | 7.11 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,057 | $15,979 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,970 ✓ | $45,473 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.1% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 51.3% | 73.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $23,500 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,071 | 1,812 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1215 | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Dakota State University costs $5,078 more per year than Lake Area Technical College ($21,057 vs $15,979). Dakota State University graduates report $5,497 higher median earnings after ten years ($50,970 vs $45,473). On EduGradify's model that puts Lake Area Technical College ahead on projected ROI (7.11 vs 6.05, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Lake Area Technical College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Dakota State University reports 88.1% acceptance; Lake Area Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Dakota State University vs Lake Area Technical College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dakota State University or Lake Area Technical College the better value?
Lake Area Technical College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.11 vs 6.05), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Lake Area Technical College is cheaper — average net price $15,979 per year vs $21,057 at Dakota State University. The annual difference of $5,078 adds up to about $20,312 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Dakota State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $50,970 vs $45,473 at Lake Area Technical College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,497.
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 State University reports a C value grade; Lake Area Technical College reports C.