Gettysburg College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Gettysburg College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,812 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Gettysburg College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gettysburg College 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 Gettysburg College ($22,990 vs. $32,769).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 49.7% lower than at Gettysburg College ($8,100 vs. $16,110).
• Gettysburg College is 97.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $32,850 more per year; $66,640.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.2% higher at Gettysburg College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $32,850 more per year; $66,640.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Gettysburg College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gettysburg College students is 135.3% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($49,191 vs. $20,910).

Gettysburg College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gettysburg College 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 Gettysburg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gettysburg College (1370) is 180 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Gettysburg College students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gettysburg College 1270/1460; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gettysburg College 29/32; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gettysburg College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gettysburg College Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Gettysburg College (38.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Gettysburg College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Gettysburg College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gettysburg College 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).

• Gettysburg College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Gettysburg College earn a median of about $22,700 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,900 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gettysburg College graduates have a $4,533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Gettysburg College graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($227 vs. $274).
• More Gettysburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.