Adams State University vs. DSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Adams State University in Alamosa, CO with Dickinson State University in Dickinson, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Adams State University is larger than DSU based on total student enrollment (2,901 students vs. 1,410 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adams State University is located in Alamosa, CO (Remote Town setting); Dickinson State University is in Dickinson, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Adams State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adams State University 14:1; Dickinson State University 16:1.

Adams State University vs. DSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adams State University or DSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Adams State University than DSU ($13,340 vs. $14,698).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson State University are 12.8% lower than at Adams State University ($8,564 vs. $9,820).
• Adams State University is 7.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSU (about $706 more per year; $9,824.00 vs. $9,118.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.7% higher at Adams State University than at Dickinson State University (about $12,826 more per year; $21,944.00 vs. $9,118.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson State University than at Adams State University (92% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adams State University students is 89.6% larger than aid received by Dickinson State University students ($10,747 vs. $5,667).

Adams State University vs. DSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adams State University or DSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between DSU and Adams State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Adams State University (1020) is 20 points higher than at DSU (1000).
• Incoming Adams State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at DSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 910/1130; Dickinson State University 875/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 15/26; Dickinson State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adams State University - Not reported; DSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Adams State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at DSU (3.11).

Adams State University vs. DSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adams State University and DSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Dickinson State University's six-year graduation rate (26%) is higher than Adams State University's (23%).
• Graduates from Dickinson State University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Adams State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson State University graduates have a $2,510 lower median loan debt than Adams State University graduates ($18,781 vs. $21,291).
• Among borrowers, DSU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adams State University graduates ($194 vs. $220).
• More DSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adams State University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.