Trinity College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Trinity College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Trinity College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Trinity 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 Trinity College ($22,990 vs. $36,071).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 57.1% lower than at Trinity College ($8,100 vs. $18,890).
• Trinity College is 109.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $36,980 more per year; $70,770.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.4% higher at Trinity College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $36,980 more per year; $70,770.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Trinity College (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Trinity College students is 147.5% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($51,754 vs. $20,910).

Trinity College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Trinity College (1380) is 190 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Trinity 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: Trinity College 1298/1470; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Trinity College 30/34; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Trinity College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Trinity College Jan 17, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Trinity College students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Trinity College (29.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.8% at Trinity College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Trinity College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Trinity 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).

• Trinity College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Trinity College earn a median of about $33,300 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,500 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Trinity College graduates have a $5,533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($21,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Trinity College graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($217 vs. $274).
• More Trinity College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.