Head-to-head · 2026
Northern State University vs South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Compare average net price ($15,812 at Northern State University; $20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology), ROI score (7.53 vs 8.95), ten-year median earnings ($47,618 vs $72,257), and admissions selectivity (93% acceptance at Northern State University; 79.9% at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology) using federal College Scorecard data. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has a 5-2 metric-level edge. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 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 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.53 | 8.95 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,812 ✓ | $20,183 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,618 | $72,257 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 93% | 79.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 48.9% | 53% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,320 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 1,273 | 2,071 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1089 | 1245 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology costs $4,371 more per year than Northern State University ($20,183 vs $15,812). South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates report $24,639 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,257 vs $47,618). On EduGradify's model that puts South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ahead on projected ROI (8.95 vs 7.53, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Northern State University is accessible at 93% acceptance versus 79.9% (accessible) at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Frequently asked
Northern State University vs South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Northern State University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology the better value?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.95 vs 7.53), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern State University is cheaper — average net price $15,812 per year vs $20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The annual difference of $4,371 adds up to about $17,484 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,257 vs $47,618 at Northern State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $24,639.
Which school is harder to get into?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is more selective at 79.9% acceptance vs 93% at Northern 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. Northern State University reports a B value grade; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports B.