MLC vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota State University is larger than MLC based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Martin Luther College is located in New Ulm, MN (Remote Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Martin Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Martin Luther College 10:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

MLC vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MLC or South Dakota State 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 Martin Luther College than South Dakota State University ($18,974 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Martin Luther College are 22.4% lower than at South Dakota State University ($7,900 vs. $10,176).
• Martin Luther College is 94.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $8,821 more per year; $18,120.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.5% higher at MLC than at South Dakota State University (about $5,311 more per year; $18,120.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Martin Luther College than at South Dakota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Martin Luther College students is 129.7% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($10,276 vs. $4,474).

MLC vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MLC or South Dakota State 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 South Dakota State University and MLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Martin Luther College (1170) is 20 points higher than at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Incoming MLC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 1078/1256; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Martin Luther College 22/27; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MLC - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman MLC students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at South Dakota State University (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than MLC (87.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at MLC vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

MLC vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MLC and South Dakota State 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).

• Martin Luther College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than South Dakota State University's (60%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than MLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Martin Luther College graduates have a $1,991 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($23,125 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, MLC graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($239 vs. $259).
• More MLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Dakota State University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 77%)

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.