Augustana University vs. Dakota State

Comparable Facts

Compare Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD with Dakota State University in Madison, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dakota State University is larger than Augustana University based on total student enrollment (3,774 students vs. 2,390 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Augustana University is located in Sioux Falls, SD (Midsize City setting); Dakota State University is in Madison, SD (Distant Town setting).
• Augustana University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Augustana University 12:1; Dakota State University 18:1.

Augustana University vs. Dakota State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Augustana University or Dakota State? 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 Dakota State University than Augustana University ($20,438 vs. $24,977).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota State University are 5.7% lower than at Augustana University ($9,742 vs. $10,326).
• Augustana University is 316% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota State (about $30,506 more per year; $40,160.00 vs. $9,654.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 214.8% higher at Augustana University than at Dakota State University (about $27,404 more per year; $40,160.00 vs. $12,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Augustana University than at Dakota State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Augustana University students is 466.8% larger than aid received by Dakota State University students ($30,445 vs. $5,371).

Augustana University vs. Dakota State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Augustana University or Dakota State? 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 Dakota State and Augustana University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dakota State University (1320) is 60 points higher than at Augustana University (1260).
• Incoming Augustana University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Dakota State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Augustana University 1150/1370; Dakota State University 1190/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Augustana University 21/27; Dakota State University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Augustana University - Test optional; Dakota State - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Augustana University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Dakota State (3.33).
• Dakota State has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Augustana University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.1% at Augustana University vs. 18% at Dakota State.

Augustana University vs. Dakota State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Augustana University and Dakota State? 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).

• Augustana University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Dakota State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Augustana University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Dakota State graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Augustana University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dakota State graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Augustana University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota State students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 67%)

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.