Head-to-head · 2026
North Dakota State College of Science vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for North Dakota State College of Science, 2 for North Dakota State University-Main Campus — North Dakota State College of Science 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 | North Dakota State College of Science | North Dakota State University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.21 ✓ | 10.00 |
| Avg net price | $11,261 ✓ | $15,543 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,513 | $62,203 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 95% |
| Graduation rate | 54.7% | 63.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $23,199 |
| Enrollment | 1,909 | 9,471 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1150 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
North Dakota State University-Main Campus costs $4,282 more per year than North Dakota State College of Science ($15,543 vs $11,261). North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates report $11,690 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,203 vs $50,513). On EduGradify's model that puts North Dakota State College of Science ahead on projected ROI (11.21 vs 10.00, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (North Dakota State College of Science) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports 95% acceptance; North Dakota State College of Science does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
North Dakota State College of Science vs North Dakota State University-Main Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is North Dakota State College of Science or North Dakota State University-Main Campus the better value?
North Dakota State College of Science has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.21 vs 10.00), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
North Dakota State College of Science is cheaper — average net price $11,261 per year vs $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $4,282 adds up to about $17,128 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 $50,513 at North Dakota State College of Science. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,690.
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. North Dakota State College of Science reports a A value grade; North Dakota State University-Main Campus reports B.