Head-to-head · 2026
Northern State University vs Oglala Lakota College
Compare average net price ($15,812 at Northern State University; $1,895 at Oglala Lakota College), ROI score (7.53 vs 29.71), ten-year median earnings ($47,618 vs $22,517), and admissions context (93% at Northern State University; Open / not reported at Oglala Lakota College) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 2-2. Oglala Lakota 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 | Northern State University | Oglala Lakota College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.53 | 29.71 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,812 | $1,895 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,618 ✓ | $22,517 |
| Acceptance rate | 93% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 48.9% ✓ | 8.7% |
| Median debt | $22,320 | — |
| Enrollment | 1,273 | 1,097 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1089 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Northern State University costs $13,917 more per year than Oglala Lakota College ($15,812 vs $1,895). Northern State University graduates report $25,101 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,618 vs $22,517). On EduGradify's model that puts Oglala Lakota College ahead on projected ROI (29.71 vs 7.53, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Oglala Lakota College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Northern State University reports 93% acceptance; Oglala Lakota College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Northern State University vs Oglala Lakota College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Northern State University or Oglala Lakota College the better value?
Oglala Lakota College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (29.71 vs 7.53), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Oglala Lakota College is cheaper — average net price $1,895 per year vs $15,812 at Northern State University. The annual difference of $13,917 adds up to about $55,668 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Northern State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,618 vs $22,517 at Oglala Lakota College. The annual gap in the federal data is $25,101.
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. Northern State University reports a B value grade; Oglala Lakota College reports A+.