Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota State University vs Mitchell Technical College
Compare average net price ($21,057 at Dakota State University; $13,460 at Mitchell Technical College), ROI score (6.05 vs 9.42), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($50,970 vs $50,743), and admissions context (88.1% at Dakota State University; Open / not reported at Mitchell Technical College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Dakota State University | Mitchell Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.05 | 9.42 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,057 | $13,460 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $84,228 | $53,840 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $9,654 | $7,524 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,756 | $7,524 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $50,970 ✓ | $50,743 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.1% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 51.3% | 76.3% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 75.5% | 85% ✓ |
| Median debt | $23,500 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,071 | 990 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1215 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Dakota State University | Mitchell Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $17,317 | $9,750 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $18,792 | $10,505 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $19,165 | $12,945 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $22,601 | $16,044 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,269 | $16,493 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Dakota State University | Mitchell Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 30.4% | 1.7% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.1% | 4.7% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | 2.6% | 2.7% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 3.2% | 0.8% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Mitchell Technical College reports the lower average net price by $7,597 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $30,388 difference over four years ($53,840 vs $84,228).
Dakota State University reports $227 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($50,970 vs $50,743). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 75.5% at Dakota State University and 85% at Mitchell Technical College. Median federal debt among completers is $23,500 vs $12,000, respectively.
4 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Dakota State University vs Mitchell Technical College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Mitchell Technical College is cheaper — average net price $13,460 per year vs $21,057 at Dakota State University. The annual difference of $7,597 adds up to about $30,388 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Dakota State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $50,970 vs $50,743 at Mitchell Technical College. The gap in the federal data is $227. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.