Carleton College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carleton College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,128 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Carleton College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton 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 Carleton College ($22,990 vs. $28,047).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 53.9% lower than at Carleton College ($8,100 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 103.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $35,102 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103.9% higher at Carleton College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $35,102 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Carleton College (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 171.9% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($56,846 vs. $20,910).

Carleton College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carleton 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 Carleton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 320 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 12 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Carleton College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton 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).

• Carleton College's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Carleton College earn a median of about $27,400 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,600 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $7,033 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($19,500 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($201 vs. $274).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.