Drake vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Drake vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake 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 Drake ($22,990 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 35% lower than at Drake University ($8,100 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 54.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $18,340 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.3% higher at Drake than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $18,340 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Dakota Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 69.8% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($35,498 vs. $20,910).

Drake vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake 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 Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 40 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Drake students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Drake vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake 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).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $30,300 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Drake 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.