Head-to-head · 2026
Dickinson State University vs Williston State College
Compare average net price ($14,092 at Dickinson State University; $5,932 at Williston State College), ROI score (9.00 vs 18.55), ten-year median earnings ($50,720 vs $44,017), and admissions context (37% at Dickinson State University; Open / not reported at Williston State College) using federal College Scorecard data. Williston State College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Williston State 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 | Dickinson State University | Williston State College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.00 | 18.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,092 | $5,932 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,720 ✓ | $44,017 |
| Acceptance rate | 37% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 50.6% ✓ | 41.9% |
| Median debt | $18,442 | $10,099 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,090 | 651 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Dickinson State University costs $8,160 more per year than Williston State College ($14,092 vs $5,932). Dickinson State University graduates report $6,703 higher median earnings after ten years ($50,720 vs $44,017). On EduGradify's model that puts Williston State College ahead on projected ROI (18.55 vs 9.00, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Williston State College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Dickinson State University reports 37% acceptance; Williston State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Dickinson State University vs Williston State College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dickinson State University or Williston State College the better value?
Williston State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (18.55 vs 9.00), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Williston State College is cheaper — average net price $5,932 per year vs $14,092 at Dickinson State University. The annual difference of $8,160 adds up to about $32,640 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Dickinson State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $50,720 vs $44,017 at Williston State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,703.
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; Williston State College reports A+.