Head-to-head · 2026
Minot State University vs Valley City State University
Compare average net price ($12,703 at Minot State University; $11,890 at Valley City State University), ROI score (10.19 vs 11.09), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($51,759 vs $52,725), and admissions selectivity (64.6% acceptance at Minot State University; 99.1% at Valley City State University) 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 | Minot State University | Valley City State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.19 | 11.09 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,703 | $11,890 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $50,812 | $47,560 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $8,702 | $8,514 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,702 | $13,544 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $51,759 | $52,725 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 64.6% | 99.1% |
| Graduation rate | 45.1% | 53.3% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 66.5% | 70.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,609 ✓ | $20,369 |
| Enrollment | 2,062 | 958 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1051 | 1041 |
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 | Minot State University | Valley City State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $9,492 | $7,879 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,388 | $7,787 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $11,359 | $10,841 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $13,674 | $12,538 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $15,632 | $14,570 ✓ |
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 | Minot State University | Valley City State University |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 8.2% | 28.7% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 5.2% | 30.9% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 13.6% | 6.4% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 3.7% | 7.6% |
| Music | 0.3% | 6.4% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 4.4% | 1.8% |
| Marketing | 3.5% | 0.4% |
| Biology, General | 3% | 0.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Valley City State University reports the lower average net price by $813 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $3,252 difference over four years ($47,560 vs $50,812).
Valley City State University reports $966 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($52,725 vs $51,759). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 66.5% at Minot State University and 70.9% at Valley City State University. Median federal debt among completers is $19,609 vs $20,369, respectively.
8 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
Minot State University vs Valley City State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Valley City State University is cheaper — average net price $11,890 per year vs $12,703 at Minot State University. The annual difference of $813 adds up to about $3,252 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Valley City State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $52,725 vs $51,759 at Minot State University. The gap in the federal data is $966. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Minot State University is more selective at 64.6% acceptance vs 99.1% at Valley City State University.
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.