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Head-to-head comparison

Dakota State University vs Augustana University: which has better ROI?

Public, Madison SD · vs · Private nonprofit, Sioux Falls SD

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Madison, SD

Dakota State University

Net price / year
$21,057
Earnings, 10 years
$50,970
Payback
32.3 yrs

Option B Sioux Falls, SD

Augustana University

Net price / year
$23,894
Earnings, 10 years
$59,217
Payback
8.8 yrs
The verdict

Augustana University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,576 in 8.8 years versus 32.3 years at Dakota State University, on median earnings of $59,217 vs $50,970 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureDakota State UniversityAugustana University
Net price / yr$21,057$23,894
Total net cost$84,228$95,576
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,970$59,217
Median debt$23,500$25,000
Payback32.3 yrs8.8 yrs
20-year net return-$32,028$121,564

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Dakota State University or Augustana University?

Dakota State University, at $21,057 a year after aid versus $23,894 — a gap of $2,837 a year, or $11,348 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Dakota State University or Augustana University graduates earn more?

Augustana University graduates report a median $59,217 ten years after entry, $8,247 more than the $50,970 at Dakota State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Dakota State University or Augustana University?

Dakota State University: its completers carry a median $23,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Augustana University, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

73% of students finish at Augustana University, against 51% at Dakota State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Dakota State University vs Augustana University: frequently asked questions

Is Dakota State University or Augustana University a better value?
Augustana University. It clears its $95,576 net cost in about 8.8 years versus 32.3 years at Dakota State University, on median earnings of $59,217 vs $50,970 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Dakota State University or Augustana University?
Dakota State University: $21,057/yr net price after aid versus $23,894/yr at Augustana University — a difference of $2,837 a year, or about $11,348 over four years.
Do Dakota State University or Augustana University graduates earn more?
Augustana University graduates earn a median $59,217 ten years after entry, versus $50,970 at Dakota State University — a $8,247 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.