Denison vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Denison University in Granville, OH with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Denison University is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,394 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Denison University is located in Granville, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Denison University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Denison University 9:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Denison vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Denison or Dakota Wesleyan 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 Dakota Wesleyan University than Denison ($22,990 vs. $43,721).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 50.6% lower than at Denison University ($8,100 vs. $16,400).
• Denison University is 98.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $33,210 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.3% higher at Denison than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $33,210 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Denison University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Denison University students is 82.6% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($38,179 vs. $20,910).

Denison vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Denison University (1410) is 220 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Denison 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: Denison University 1320/1490; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 30/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Denison - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Denison Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Denison students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Denison (17.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at Denison vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Denison vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Denison and Dakota Wesleyan 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).

• Denison University's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Denison University earn a median of about $17,900 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,100 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Denison University graduates have a $533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Denison graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Denison graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.