Annapolis vs. Dakota State

Comparable Facts

Compare United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland with Dakota State University in Madison, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

United States Naval Academy is larger than Dakota State based on total student enrollment (4,474 students vs. 3,774 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• United States Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, Maryland (Large Suburban setting); Dakota State University is in Madison, SD (Distant Town setting).
• United States Naval Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: United States Naval Academy 8:1; Dakota State University 18:1.

Annapolis vs. Dakota State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Annapolis or Dakota State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Dakota State University and Annapolis ($9,654.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Dakota State and United States Naval Academy ($12,756.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota State University than at United States Naval Academy (88% vs. 0%).

Annapolis vs. Dakota State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Annapolis or Dakota State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Dakota State and Annapolis.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Dakota State University (1320) is 10 points higher than at Annapolis (1310).
• Incoming Annapolis students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Dakota State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: United States Naval Academy 1210/1410; Dakota State University 1190/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: United States Naval Academy 25/31; Dakota State University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Annapolis - Required; Dakota State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Annapolis Jan 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Annapolis students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Dakota State (3.33).
• Dakota State has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Annapolis (9.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 84.2% at Annapolis vs. 18% at Dakota State.

Annapolis vs. Dakota State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Annapolis and Dakota State? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate is 34%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Annapolis.
• Graduates from Dakota State University have median earnings of about $42,200 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Annapolis.

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.