Head-to-head · 2026
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs Western Dakota Technical College
Compare average net price ($20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; $12,670 at Western Dakota Technical College), ROI score (8.95 vs 7.94), ten-year median earnings ($72,257 vs $40,240), and admissions context (79.9% at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Open / not reported at Western Dakota Technical College) using federal College Scorecard data. Western Dakota Technical College has a narrow 3-2 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 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Western Dakota Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.95 ✓ | 7.94 |
| Avg net price | $20,183 | $12,670 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $72,257 ✓ | $40,240 |
| Acceptance rate | 79.9% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 53% | 54.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $15,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,071 | 753 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1245 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology costs $7,513 more per year than Western Dakota Technical College ($20,183 vs $12,670). South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates report $32,017 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,257 vs $40,240). On EduGradify's model that puts South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ahead on projected ROI (8.95 vs 7.94, 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, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports 79.9% acceptance; Western Dakota Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs Western Dakota Technical College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or Western Dakota Technical College the better value?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.95 vs 7.94), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Western Dakota Technical College is cheaper — average net price $12,670 per year vs $20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The annual difference of $7,513 adds up to about $30,052 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 $40,240 at Western Dakota Technical College. The annual gap in the federal data is $32,017.
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. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports a B value grade; Western Dakota Technical College reports B.