Dakota Wesleyan University vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

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

South Dakota State University is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dakota Wesleyan University is located in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dakota Wesleyan University or South Dakota State 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 South Dakota State University than Dakota Wesleyan University ($19,932 vs. $22,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 20.4% lower than at South Dakota State University ($8,100 vs. $10,176).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 263.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $24,491 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.8% higher at Dakota Wesleyan University than at South Dakota State University (about $20,981 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at South Dakota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students is 367.4% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($20,910 vs. $4,474).

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dakota Wesleyan University or South Dakota State 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 South Dakota State University and Dakota Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190) is 40 points higher than at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Incoming South Dakota State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 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 State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dakota Wesleyan University and South Dakota State 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, South Dakota State University graduates have a $1,417 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($25,116 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, South Dakota State University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($259 vs. $274).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.