Bard College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bard College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,911 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bard College is located in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bard College 9:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Bard College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bard College or Dakota Wesleyan University? 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 Wesleyan University than Bard College ($22,990 vs. $29,320).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 57% lower than at Bard College ($8,100 vs. $18,852).
• Bard College is 96.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $32,646 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.6% higher at Bard College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $32,646 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Bard College (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 164.2% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($55,235 vs. $20,910).

Bard College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bard College or Dakota Wesleyan University? 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 Wesleyan University and Bard College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 170 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Bard College students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 1270/1450; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bard College 28/32; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bard College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bard College Jan 1, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Bard College (52.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at Bard College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Bard College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bard College and Dakota Wesleyan University? 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).

• Bard College's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Bard College earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $339 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($26,194 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($270 vs. $274).
• More Bard College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 71%)

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.