Head-to-head · 2026
North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs University of North Dakota
Compare average net price ($15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus; $18,551 at University of North Dakota), ROI score (10.00 vs 8.56), ten-year median earnings ($62,203 vs $63,552), and admissions selectivity (95% acceptance at North Dakota State University-Main Campus; 76.9% at University of North Dakota) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. 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 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | University of North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.00 ✓ | 8.56 |
| Avg net price | $15,543 ✓ | $18,551 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $62,203 | $63,552 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 95% | 76.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 63.9% ✓ | 60.5% |
| Median debt | $23,199 | $22,057 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,471 | 9,981 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1150 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of North Dakota costs $3,008 more per year than North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($18,551 vs $15,543). University of North Dakota graduates report $1,349 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,552 vs $62,203). On EduGradify's model that puts North Dakota State University-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (10.00 vs 8.56, 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 76.9% (accessible) at University of North Dakota.
Frequently asked
North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs University of North Dakota, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus or University of North Dakota the better value?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.00 vs 8.56), 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 $18,551 at University of North Dakota. The annual difference of $3,008 adds up to about $12,032 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of North Dakota reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,552 vs $62,203 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,349.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of North Dakota is more selective at 76.9% 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 North Dakota reports B.