College of the Atlantic vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, ME with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dakota Wesleyan University is larger than College of the Atlantic based on total student enrollment (892 students vs. 358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of the Atlantic is located in Bar Harbor, ME (Rural Fringe setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• College of the Atlantic is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of the Atlantic 9:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

College of the Atlantic vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, College of the Atlantic 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 College of the Atlantic than Dakota Wesleyan University ($21,829 vs. $22,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 22.1% lower than at College of the Atlantic ($8,100 vs. $10,404).
• College of the Atlantic is 42% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $14,207 more per year; $47,997.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42% higher at College of the Atlantic than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $14,207 more per year; $47,997.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at College of the Atlantic as at Dakota Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Atlantic students is 74.3% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($36,437 vs. $20,910).

College of the Atlantic vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, College of the Atlantic 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 College of the Atlantic.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Atlantic (1340) is 150 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of the Atlantic 1240/1430; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsDakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: College of the Atlantic - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: College of the Atlantic Feb 1, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman College of the Atlantic students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than College of the Atlantic (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.4% at College of the Atlantic vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

College of the Atlantic vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for College of the Atlantic 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).

• College of the Atlantic's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Dakota Wesleyan University earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than College of the Atlantic graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,200 vs. $28,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have a $6,783 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($19,750 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($204 vs. $274).
• More College of the Atlantic graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.