Head-to-head · 2026
Lake Region State College vs Valley City State University
Compare average net price ($13,577 at Lake Region State College; $11,890 at Valley City State University), ROI score (9.12 vs 11.09), ten-year median earnings ($49,502 vs $52,725), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Lake Region State College; 99.1% at Valley City State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Valley City State University has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Valley City State University has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | Valley City State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.12 | 11.09 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,577 | $11,890 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,502 | $52,725 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 99.1% |
| Graduation rate | 52.4% | 53.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,293 ✓ | $20,369 |
| Enrollment | 611 | 958 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1041 |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Lake Region State College costs $1,687 more per year than Valley City State University ($13,577 vs $11,890). Valley City State University graduates report $3,223 higher median earnings after ten years ($52,725 vs $49,502). On EduGradify's model that puts Valley City State University ahead on projected ROI (11.09 vs 9.12, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Valley City State University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Valley City State University reports 99.1% acceptance; Lake Region State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Lake Region State College vs Valley City State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Lake Region State College or Valley City State University the better value?
Valley City State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.09 vs 9.12), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Valley City State University is cheaper — average net price $11,890 per year vs $13,577 at Lake Region State College. The annual difference of $1,687 adds up to about $6,748 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Valley City State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $52,725 vs $49,502 at Lake Region State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,223.
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; Valley City State University reports A.