Skidmore College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Skidmore College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,704 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Skidmore College is located in Saratoga Springs, NY (Small Suburban setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Skidmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Skidmore College 8:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Skidmore College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Skidmore 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 Skidmore College ($22,990 vs. $31,187).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 54.8% lower than at Skidmore College ($8,100 vs. $17,940).
• Skidmore College is 99.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $33,500 more per year; $67,290.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.1% higher at Skidmore College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $33,500 more per year; $67,290.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Skidmore College (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Skidmore College students is 158.6% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($54,083 vs. $20,910).

Skidmore College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Skidmore College (1410) is 220 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Skidmore 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: Skidmore College 1340/1480; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Skidmore College 31/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Skidmore College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Skidmore College Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Skidmore College students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Skidmore College (21.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.6% at Skidmore College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Skidmore College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Skidmore 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).

• Skidmore College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Skidmore College earn a median of about $16,200 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Skidmore College graduates have a $7,033 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($19,500 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Skidmore College graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($201 vs. $274).
• More Skidmore College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.