F&M vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Franklin and Marshall College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,808 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Franklin and Marshall College is located in Lancaster, PA (Small City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Franklin and Marshall College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Franklin and Marshall College 9:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

F&M vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, F&M 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 F&M ($22,990 vs. $43,987).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 50% lower than at Franklin and Marshall College ($8,100 vs. $16,188).
• Franklin and Marshall College is 109.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $37,004 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.5% higher at F&M than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $37,004 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Franklin and Marshall College (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin and Marshall College students is 100.4% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($41,901 vs. $20,910).

F&M vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, F&M 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 F&M.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin and Marshall College (1390) is 200 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming F&M 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: Franklin and Marshall College 1310/1463; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 30/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: F&M - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: F&M Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than F&M (28.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at F&M vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

F&M vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for F&M 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).

• Franklin and Marshall College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Franklin and Marshall College earn a median of about $23,700 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin and Marshall College graduates have a $4,533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, F&M graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($227 vs. $274).
• More F&M graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.