Head-to-head · 2026
Mitchell Technical College vs Northern State University
Compare average net price ($13,460 at Mitchell Technical College; $15,812 at Northern State University), ROI score (9.42 vs 7.53), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($50,743 vs $47,618), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Mitchell Technical College; 93% at Northern 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 | Mitchell Technical College | Northern State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.42 ✓ | 7.53 |
| Avg net price | $13,460 ✓ | $15,812 |
| 4-year avg net price | $53,840 ✓ | $63,248 |
| In-state tuition | $7,524 | $8,845 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $7,524 | $11,947 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $50,743 ✓ | $47,618 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 93% |
| Graduation rate | 76.3% ✓ | 48.9% |
| Retention rate | 85% ✓ | 77% |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $22,320 |
| Enrollment | 990 | 1,273 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1089 |
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 | Mitchell Technical College | Northern State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $9,750 ✓ | $10,762 |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,505 ✓ | $12,087 |
| Family income $48–75k | $12,945 ✓ | $15,293 |
| Family income $75–110k | $16,044 ✓ | $18,372 |
| Family income $110k+ | $16,493 ✓ | $17,933 |
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 | Mitchell Technical College | Northern State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.7% | 7.1% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 0.8% | 4.9% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 1.7% | 1.5% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Mitchell Technical College reports the lower average net price by $2,352 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $9,408 difference over four years ($53,840 vs $63,248).
Mitchell Technical College reports $3,125 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($50,743 vs $47,618). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 85% at Mitchell Technical College and 77% at Northern State University. Median federal debt among completers is $12,000 vs $22,320, respectively.
3 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.
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Frequently asked
Mitchell Technical College vs Northern State University, 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 $15,812 at Northern State University. The annual difference of $2,352 adds up to about $9,408 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Mitchell Technical College reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $50,743 vs $47,618 at Northern State University. The gap in the federal data is $3,125. 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.