ISU vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Iowa State University is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA (Small City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iowa State University 18:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

ISU vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Iowa State University than Dakota Wesleyan University ($17,779 vs. $22,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 25.1% lower than at Iowa State University ($8,100 vs. $10,808).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 213.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $23,003 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Iowa State University (about $4,909 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students is 93.8% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($20,910 vs. $10,791).

ISU vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 50 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 1120/1360; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iowa State University 21/28; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at ISU vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

ISU vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Iowa State University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $2,665 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($23,868 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($246 vs. $274).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.