Dakota State vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Dakota State University is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (3,774 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Dakota State vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dakota State 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 State University than Dakota Wesleyan University ($20,438 vs. $22,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 16.9% lower than at Dakota State University ($8,100 vs. $9,742).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 250% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota State (about $24,136 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $9,654.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 164.9% higher at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Dakota State University (about $21,034 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $12,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Dakota State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students is 289.3% larger than aid received by Dakota State University students ($20,910 vs. $5,371).

Dakota State vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dakota State 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 Dakota State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dakota State University (1320) is 130 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Dakota State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota State University 1190/1440; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota State University 20/27; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dakota State - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Dakota Wesleyan University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Dakota State (3.33).
• Dakota State has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at Dakota State vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Dakota State vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dakota State 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).

• Dakota Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Dakota State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Dakota State University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota State University graduates have a $3,033 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($23,500 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Dakota State graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($242 vs. $274).
• More Dakota Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota State students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.