Umary vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Mary in Bismarck, ND with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Mary is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (3,861 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Mary is located in Bismarck, ND (Rural Fringe setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• University of Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Mary 14:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Umary vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Umary 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 University of Mary than Dakota Wesleyan University ($20,156 vs. $22,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 12.7% lower than at University of Mary ($8,100 vs. $9,276).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 51.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Umary (about $11,434 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.1% higher at Dakota Wesleyan University than at University of Mary (about $11,434 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at University of Mary (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students is 53.7% larger than aid received by University of Mary students ($20,910 vs. $13,601).

Umary vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Umary 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 Umary.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Mary (1230) is 40 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Umary students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Mary 1110/1340; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Mary 21/26; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Umary - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Umary Sep 30, 2026; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Umary students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Umary has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.4% at Umary vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Umary vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Umary 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).

• University of Mary's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Mary earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary graduates have a $4,033 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Umary graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($232 vs. $274).
• More Umary 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.