Head-to-head · 2026
Dickinson State University vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Compare average net price ($14,092 at Dickinson State University; $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus), ROI score (9.00 vs 10.00), ten-year median earnings ($50,720 vs $62,203), and admissions selectivity (37% acceptance at Dickinson State University; 95% at North Dakota State University-Main Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. North Dakota State University-Main Campus 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 | Dickinson State University | North Dakota State University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.00 | 10.00 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,092 ✓ | $15,543 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,720 | $62,203 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 37% ✓ | 95% |
| Graduation rate | 50.6% | 63.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,442 ✓ | $23,199 |
| Enrollment | 1,090 | 9,471 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1150 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
North Dakota State University-Main Campus costs $1,451 more per year than Dickinson State University ($15,543 vs $14,092). North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates report $11,483 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,203 vs $50,720). On EduGradify's model that puts North Dakota State University-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (10.00 vs 9.00, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (North Dakota State University-Main Campus) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Dickinson State University is selective at 37% acceptance versus 95% (accessible) at North Dakota State University-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
Dickinson State University vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dickinson State University or North Dakota State University-Main Campus the better value?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.00 vs 9.00), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Dickinson State University is cheaper — average net price $14,092 per year vs $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $1,451 adds up to about $5,804 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 $50,720 at Dickinson State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,483.
Which school is harder to get into?
Dickinson State University is more selective at 37% acceptance vs 95% at North Dakota State University-Main Campus.
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. Dickinson State University reports a B value grade; North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports B.