Head-to-head · 2026
Lake Region State College vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Compare average net price ($13,577 at Lake Region State College; $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus), ROI score (9.12 vs 10.00), ten-year median earnings ($49,502 vs $62,203), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Lake Region State College; 95% at North Dakota State University-Main Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. North Dakota State University-Main Campus has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. 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 | Lake Region State College | North Dakota State University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.12 | 10.00 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,577 ✓ | $15,543 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,502 | $62,203 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 95% |
| Graduation rate | 52.4% | 63.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,293 ✓ | $23,199 |
| Enrollment | 611 | 9,471 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1150 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
North Dakota State University-Main Campus costs $1,966 more per year than Lake Region State College ($15,543 vs $13,577). North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates report $12,701 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,203 vs $49,502). On EduGradify's model that puts North Dakota State University-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (10.00 vs 9.12, 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, North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports 95% acceptance; Lake Region State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Lake Region State College vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Lake Region State College 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 9.12), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Lake Region State College is cheaper — average net price $13,577 per year vs $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $1,966 adds up to about $7,864 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 $49,502 at Lake Region State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $12,701.
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 Region State College reports a B value grade; North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports B.