DSU vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Dickinson State University in Dickinson, ND with West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Liberty University is larger than DSU based on total student enrollment (2,299 students vs. 1,410 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson State University is located in Dickinson, ND (Remote Town setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Dickinson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson State University 16:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

DSU vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSU or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University than DSU ($13,655 vs. $14,698).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson State University are 32.7% lower than at West Liberty University ($8,564 vs. $12,728).
• Dickinson State University is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $225 more per year; $9,118.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.3% higher at West Liberty University than at Dickinson State University (about $8,324 more per year; $17,442.00 vs. $9,118.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson State University than at West Liberty University (92% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Liberty University students is 27.9% larger than aid received by Dickinson State University students ($7,248 vs. $5,667).

DSU vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSU or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University and DSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Liberty University (1010) is 10 points higher than at DSU (1000).
• Incoming West Liberty University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at DSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson State University 875/1130; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson State University 16/21; West Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSU - Test-free; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at DSU (3.11).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than DSU (37%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 51.8% at DSU vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

DSU vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSU and West Liberty 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).

• West Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Dickinson State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Dickinson State University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson State University graduates have a $5,836 lower median loan debt than West Liberty University graduates ($18,781 vs. $24,617).
• Among borrowers, DSU graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Liberty University graduates ($194 vs. $254).
• More DSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 49%)

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.