Head-to-head · 2026
North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs Williston State College
Compare average net price ($15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus; $5,932 at Williston State College), ROI score (10.00 vs 18.55), ten-year median earnings ($62,203 vs $44,017), and admissions context (95% at North Dakota State University-Main Campus; Open / not reported at Williston State College) using federal College Scorecard data. Williston State College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Williston State College 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 | Williston State College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.00 | 18.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,543 | $5,932 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $62,203 ✓ | $44,017 |
| Acceptance rate | 95% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 63.9% ✓ | 41.9% |
| Median debt | $23,199 | $10,099 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,471 | 651 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1150 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
North Dakota State University-Main Campus costs $9,611 more per year than Williston State College ($15,543 vs $5,932). North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates report $18,186 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,203 vs $44,017). On EduGradify's model that puts Williston State College ahead on projected ROI (18.55 vs 10.00, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Williston State College) 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; Williston State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs Williston State College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus or Williston State College the better value?
Williston State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (18.55 vs 10.00), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Williston State College is cheaper — average net price $5,932 per year vs $15,543 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $9,611 adds up to about $38,444 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 $44,017 at Williston State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,186.
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; Williston State College reports A+.