Wooster vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare The College of Wooster in Wooster, OH with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The College of Wooster is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,738 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The College of Wooster is located in Wooster, OH (Distant Town setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• The College of Wooster is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The College of Wooster 10:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Wooster vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wooster 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 Wooster ($22,990 vs. $28,004).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 44.1% lower than at The College of Wooster ($8,100 vs. $14,490).
• The College of Wooster is 82.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $27,850 more per year; $61,640.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.4% higher at Wooster than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $27,850 more per year; $61,640.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at The College of Wooster as at Dakota Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The College of Wooster students is 128% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($47,672 vs. $20,910).

Wooster vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wooster 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 Wooster.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The College of Wooster (1340) is 150 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Wooster students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The College of Wooster 1220/1460; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The College of Wooster 27/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wooster - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wooster Feb 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wooster students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Wooster (59.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Wooster vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Wooster vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wooster 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).

• The College of Wooster's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from The College of Wooster earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The College of Wooster graduates have a $533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Wooster graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Wooster graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.