Dakota Wesleyan University vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester

Comparable Facts

Compare Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD with University of Minnesota Rochester in Rochester, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dakota Wesleyan University is larger than University of Minnesota-Rochester based on total student enrollment (892 students vs. 578 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dakota Wesleyan University is located in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting); University of Minnesota Rochester is in Rochester, MN (Midsize City setting).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Rochester is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1; University of Minnesota Rochester 13:1.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dakota Wesleyan University or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 University of Minnesota Rochester than Dakota Wesleyan University ($14,953 vs. $22,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 42.1% lower than at University of Minnesota Rochester ($8,100 vs. $13,994).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 125% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Minnesota-Rochester (about $18,774 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125% higher at Dakota Wesleyan University than at University of Minnesota Rochester (about $18,774 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at University of Minnesota Rochester (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students is 48.8% larger than aid received by University of Minnesota Rochester students ($20,910 vs. $14,057).

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dakota Wesleyan University or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 University of Minnesota-Rochester and Dakota Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190) is 20 points higher than at University of Minnesota-Rochester (1170).
• Incoming University of Minnesota-Rochester students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420; University of Minnesota Rochester 950/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24; University of Minnesota Rochester 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free; University of Minnesota-Rochester - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027; University of Minnesota-Rochester Jul 31, 2027.
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than University of Minnesota-Rochester (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University vs. 20.3% at University of Minnesota-Rochester.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dakota Wesleyan University and University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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).

• Graduates from University of Minnesota Rochester earn a median of about $20,000 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Rochester graduates have a $6,348 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($20,185 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($208 vs. $274).
• More University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.