Head-to-head · 2026
Lake Area Technical College vs University of Sioux Falls
Compare average net price ($15,979 at Lake Area Technical College; $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls), ROI score (7.11 vs 6.37), ten-year median earnings ($45,473 vs $54,521), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Lake Area Technical College; 82.9% at University of Sioux Falls) 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 | Lake Area Technical College | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.11 ✓ | 6.37 |
| Avg net price | $15,979 ✓ | $21,383 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,473 | $54,521 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 82.9% |
| Graduation rate | 73.1% ✓ | 62.9% |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $23,249 |
| Enrollment | 1,812 | 1,218 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Sioux Falls costs $5,404 more per year than Lake Area Technical College ($21,383 vs $15,979). University of Sioux Falls graduates report $9,048 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,521 vs $45,473). On EduGradify's model that puts Lake Area Technical College ahead on projected ROI (7.11 vs 6.37, 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, University of Sioux Falls reports 82.9% acceptance; Lake Area Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Lake Area Technical College vs University of Sioux Falls, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Lake Area Technical College or University of Sioux Falls the better value?
Lake Area Technical College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.11 vs 6.37), 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 $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls. The annual difference of $5,404 adds up to about $21,616 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Sioux Falls reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,521 vs $45,473 at Lake Area Technical College. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,048.
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; University of Sioux Falls reports C.