Macalester College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Macalester College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,138 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Macalester College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester 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 Macalester College ($22,990 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 48.6% lower than at Macalester College ($8,100 vs. $15,760).
• Macalester College is 101.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $34,314 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.6% higher at Macalester College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $34,314 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Macalester College (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 104.5% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($42,766 vs. $20,910).

Macalester College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 240 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Macalester College 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: Macalester College 1350/1510; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Macalester College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester 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).

• Macalester College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Macalester College earn a median of about $15,900 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $3,863 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($22,670 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($234 vs. $274).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.