MCAD vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minneapolis, MN with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dakota Wesleyan University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (892 students vs. 831 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

MCAD vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD 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 MCAD ($22,990 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 39.4% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($8,100 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 34.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $11,694 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.6% higher at MCAD than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $11,694 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as at Dakota Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 42% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($29,682 vs. $20,910).

MCAD vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MCAD 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 MCAD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 50 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming MCAD 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: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Dakota Wesleyan University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

MCAD vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD 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).

• Minneapolis College of Art and Design's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Minneapolis College of Art and Design earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minneapolis College of Art and Design graduates have a $783 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, MCAD graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($266 vs. $274).
• More MCAD 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.