Head-to-head · 2026
North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs Valley City State University
Compare average net price ($15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus; $11,890 at Valley City State University), ROI score (10.00 vs 11.09), ten-year median earnings ($62,203 vs $52,725), and admissions selectivity (95% acceptance at North Dakota State University-Main Campus; 99.1% at Valley City State University) using federal College Scorecard data. North Dakota State University-Main Campus has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. Valley City State University 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 | Valley City State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.00 | 11.09 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,543 | $11,890 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $62,203 ✓ | $52,725 |
| Acceptance rate | 95% ✓ | 99.1% |
| Graduation rate | 63.9% ✓ | 53.3% |
| Median debt | $23,199 | $20,369 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,471 | 958 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1150 ✓ | 1041 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
North Dakota State University-Main Campus costs $3,653 more per year than Valley City State University ($15,543 vs $11,890). North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates report $9,478 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,203 vs $52,725). On EduGradify's model that puts Valley City State University ahead on projected ROI (11.09 vs 10.00, 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, North Dakota State University-Main Campus is accessible at 95% acceptance versus 99.1% (accessible) at Valley City State University.
Frequently asked
North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs Valley City State University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus or Valley City State University the better value?
Valley City State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.09 vs 10.00), 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 $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $3,653 adds up to about $14,612 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 $52,725 at Valley City State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,478.
Which school is harder to get into?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus is more selective at 95% acceptance vs 99.1% at Valley City State University.
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; Valley City State University reports A.