Dakota Wesleyan University vs. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD with South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,576 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dakota Wesleyan University is located in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting); South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is in Rapid City, SD (Small City setting).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 12:1.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dakota Wesleyan University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology? 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology than Dakota Wesleyan University ($20,267 vs. $22,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 12.9% lower than at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($8,100 vs. $9,300).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 221.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (about $23,290 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $10,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.8% higher at Dakota Wesleyan University than at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (about $18,890 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $14,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students is 292% larger than aid received by South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students ($20,910 vs. $5,334).

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dakota Wesleyan University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology? 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and Dakota Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (1240) is 50 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 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; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027; South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has a higher acceptance rate (79.9%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University vs. 38.1% at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dakota Wesleyan University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology? 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).

• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology earn a median of about $21,800 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have a $967 lower median loan debt than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates ($26,533 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates ($274 vs. $284).
• More South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.