Dakota Wesleyan University vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

Compare Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD with University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Puget Sound is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,864 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dakota Wesleyan University is located in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting); University of Puget Sound is in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Puget Sound is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1; University of Puget Sound 10:1.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dakota Wesleyan University or University of Puget Sound? 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 University of Puget Sound ($22,990 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 50.9% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($8,100 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 86.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $29,108 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.1% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $29,108 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at University of Puget Sound (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Puget Sound students is 68.2% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($35,179 vs. $20,910).

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dakota Wesleyan University or University of Puget Sound? 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 Puget Sound and Dakota Wesleyan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Puget Sound (1280) is 90 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming University of Puget Sound students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 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 Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24; University of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free; University of Puget Sound - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027; University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Puget Sound students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dakota Wesleyan University and University of Puget Sound? 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).

• University of Puget Sound's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $19,400 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have a $467 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($26,533 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.