Colorado College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Colorado College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,056 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado College is located in Colorado Springs, CO (Large City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Colorado College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado College 9:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Colorado College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colorado 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 Colorado College ($22,990 vs. $36,123).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 49.4% lower than at Colorado College ($8,100 vs. $16,020).
• Colorado College is 109.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $36,944 more per year; $70,734.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.3% higher at Colorado College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $36,944 more per year; $70,734.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Colorado College (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colorado College students is 143.1% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($50,834 vs. $20,910).

Colorado College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado College (1350) is 160 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Colorado College students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado College 1230/1460; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado College 29/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colorado College Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colorado College students have a 0.62 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Colorado College (18.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.3% at Colorado College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Colorado College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado 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).

• Colorado College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Colorado College earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colorado College graduates have a $6,033 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Colorado College graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($211 vs. $274).
• More Colorado College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.