Head-to-head · 2026
Lake Area Technical College vs South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Lake Area Technical College, 2 for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology — Lake Area Technical College 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 | Lake Area Technical College | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.11 | 8.95 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,979 ✓ | $20,183 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,473 | $72,257 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 79.9% |
| Graduation rate | 73.1% ✓ | 53% |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 1,812 | 2,071 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1245 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology costs $4,204 more per year than Lake Area Technical College ($20,183 vs $15,979). South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates report $26,784 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,257 vs $45,473). On EduGradify's model that puts South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ahead on projected ROI (8.95 vs 7.11, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports 79.9% acceptance; Lake Area Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Lake Area Technical College vs South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Lake Area Technical College or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology the better value?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.95 vs 7.11), 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 $20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The annual difference of $4,204 adds up to about $16,816 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,257 vs $45,473 at Lake Area Technical College. The annual gap in the federal data is $26,784.
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. Lake Area Technical College reports a C value grade; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports B.