Luther- Norse vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Luther College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,384 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Luther- Norse vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse 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 Luther- Norse ($22,990 vs. $24,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 29.7% lower than at Luther College ($8,100 vs. $11,530).
• Luther College is 54.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $18,330 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.2% higher at Luther- Norse than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $18,330 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Dakota Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 95.7% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($40,917 vs. $20,910).

Luther- Norse vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse 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 Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Luther College (1240) is 50 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Luther- Norse students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Luther- Norse students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Luther- Norse vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse 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).

• Luther College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Luther College earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have a $467 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($26,533 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.