Muhlenberg College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Muhlenberg College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,788 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Muhlenberg College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College ($22,990 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 44.3% lower than at Muhlenberg College ($8,100 vs. $14,548).
• Muhlenberg College is 85.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $29,015 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.9% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $29,015 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Muhlenberg College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 103.5% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($42,545 vs. $20,910).

Muhlenberg College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 140 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 1250/1410; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 29/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Muhlenberg College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Muhlenberg College students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Muhlenberg College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Muhlenberg College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Muhlenberg 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $25,500 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $43 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($26,490 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($273 vs. $274).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.