Head-to-head · 2026
North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs University of Mary
Compare average net price ($15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus; $17,770 at University of Mary), ROI score (10.00 vs 8.57), ten-year median earnings ($62,203 vs $60,909), and admissions selectivity (95% acceptance at North Dakota State University-Main Campus; 75.3% at University of Mary) using federal College Scorecard data. North Dakota State University-Main Campus has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. North Dakota State University-Main Campus 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 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | University of Mary |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.00 ✓ | 8.57 |
| Avg net price | $15,543 ✓ | $17,770 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $62,203 ✓ | $60,909 |
| Acceptance rate | 95% | 75.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 63.9% | 66.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $23,199 ✓ | $24,000 |
| Enrollment | 9,471 | 2,416 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1150 | 1159 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Mary costs $2,227 more per year than North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($17,770 vs $15,543). North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates report $1,294 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,203 vs $60,909). On EduGradify's model that puts North Dakota State University-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (10.00 vs 8.57, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (North Dakota State University-Main Campus) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, North Dakota State University-Main Campus is accessible at 95% acceptance versus 75.3% (accessible) at University of Mary.
Frequently asked
North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs University of Mary, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus or University of Mary the better value?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.00 vs 8.57), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus is cheaper — average net price $15,543 per year vs $17,770 at University of Mary. The annual difference of $2,227 adds up to about $8,908 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 $60,909 at University of Mary. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,294.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Mary is more selective at 75.3% acceptance vs 95% at North Dakota State University-Main Campus.
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 University-Main Campus reports a B value grade; University of Mary reports B.