Dakota Wesleyan University vs. Whitman College

Comparable Facts

Compare Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD with Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Whitman College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,561 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dakota Wesleyan University is located in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting); Whitman College is in Walla Walla, WA (Remote Town setting).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1; Whitman College 10:1.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. Whitman College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dakota Wesleyan University or Whitman College? 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 Whitman College ($22,990 vs. $37,633).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 46.3% lower than at Whitman College ($8,100 vs. $15,080).
• Whitman College is 89.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $30,260 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.6% higher at Whitman College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $30,260 more per year; $64,050.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Whitman College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitman College students is 93.6% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($40,489 vs. $20,910).

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. Whitman College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whitman College (1400) is 210 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Whitman College students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420; Whitman College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24; Whitman College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free; Whitman College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027; Whitman College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whitman College students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Whitman College (38.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University vs. 14.1% at Whitman College.

Dakota Wesleyan University vs. Whitman College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Whitman College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Whitman College earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whitman College graduates have a $9,033 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($17,500 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Whitman College graduates have an estimated $94 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($180 vs. $274).
• More Whitman College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (93% 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.