Dakota Wesleyan University vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

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

Lawrence University is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,417 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dakota Wesleyan University is located in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dakota Wesleyan University or Lawrence? 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 Lawrence ($22,990 vs. $27,161).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 33.4% lower than at Lawrence University ($8,100 vs. $12,165).
• Lawrence University is 68.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $23,192 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.6% higher at Lawrence than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $23,192 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University as at Lawrence University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lawrence University students is 104.2% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($42,688 vs. $20,910).

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lawrence University (1310) is 120 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Lawrence students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027; Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lawrence students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Lawrence (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Lawrence University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Lawrence University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,600 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have a $817 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($26,533 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($274 vs. $282).
• More Lawrence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.