Grinnell vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Grinnell College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,788 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Grinnell vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell 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 Grinnell ($22,990 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 51.9% lower than at Grinnell College ($8,100 vs. $16,842).
• Grinnell College is 101.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $34,316 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.6% higher at Grinnell than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $34,316 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Grinnell College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 134.7% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($49,077 vs. $20,910).

Grinnell vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Grinnell 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 Grinnell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 290 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Grinnell students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Grinnell vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell 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).

• Grinnell College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Grinnell College earn a median of about $21,300 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $13,363 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($13,170 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $138 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($136 vs. $274).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.