Head-to-head · 2026
North Dakota State College of Science vs University of North Dakota
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for North Dakota State College of Science, 2 for University of North Dakota — 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 | University of North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.21 ✓ | 8.56 |
| Avg net price | $11,261 ✓ | $18,551 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,513 | $63,552 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 76.9% |
| Graduation rate | 54.7% | 60.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $22,057 |
| Enrollment | 1,909 | 9,981 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of North Dakota costs $7,290 more per year than North Dakota State College of Science ($18,551 vs $11,261). University of North Dakota graduates report $13,039 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,552 vs $50,513). On EduGradify's model that puts North Dakota State College of Science ahead on projected ROI (11.21 vs 8.56, 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, University of North Dakota reports 76.9% 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 University of North Dakota, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is North Dakota State College of Science or University of North Dakota the better value?
North Dakota State College of Science has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.21 vs 8.56), 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 $18,551 at University of North Dakota. The annual difference of $7,290 adds up to about $29,160 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of North Dakota reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,552 vs $50,513 at North Dakota State College of Science. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,039.
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; University of North Dakota reports B.

