Minnesota vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Minnesota Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (56,666 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Minnesota Twin Cities is located in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Minnesota Twin Cities 17:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Minnesota vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Minnesota 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 Minnesota Twin Cities than Dakota Wesleyan University ($17,209 vs. $22,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 41.5% lower than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities ($8,100 vs. $13,856).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 96.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Minnesota (about $16,576 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $17,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.5% higher at Minnesota than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $4,572 more per year; $38,362.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (100% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students is 66.6% larger than aid received by University of Minnesota Twin Cities students ($20,910 vs. $12,552).

Minnesota vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Minnesota 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 Minnesota.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (1400) is 210 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Minnesota students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Minnesota Twin Cities 1300/1500; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Minnesota Twin Cities 26/31; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Minnesota - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Minnesota Jan 1, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Minnesota students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Minnesota has a higher acceptance rate (79.7%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.3% at Minnesota vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Minnesota vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Minnesota 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 Minnesota Twin Cities's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of about $20,000 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates have a $6,348 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($20,185 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Minnesota graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($208 vs. $274).
• More Minnesota graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.