Union College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Union College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,065 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Union College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union 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 Union College ($22,990 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 52.4% lower than at Union College ($8,100 vs. $17,010).
• Union College is 104.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $35,249 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 104.3% higher at Union College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $35,249 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Union College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union College students is 103.4% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($42,534 vs. $20,910).

Union College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union College (1400) is 210 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Union 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: Union College 1310/1480; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union College 29/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Union College Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Union College (43.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Union College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Union College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union 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).

• Union College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Union College earn a median of about $36,000 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have a $467 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($26,533 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Union College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.