Nebraska vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Nebraska Lincoln is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (24,393 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Nebraska Lincoln is located in Lincoln, NE (Large City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• University of Nebraska Lincoln 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 Nebraska Lincoln 17:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Nebraska vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nebraska 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 Nebraska Lincoln than Dakota Wesleyan University ($18,322 vs. $22,990).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 42.6% lower than at University of Nebraska Lincoln ($8,100 vs. $14,120).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 223.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nebraska (about $23,356 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $10,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at Dakota Wesleyan University than at University of Nebraska Lincoln (about $5,206 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $28,584.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at University of Nebraska Lincoln (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students is 98.4% larger than aid received by University of Nebraska Lincoln students ($20,910 vs. $10,541).

Nebraska vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nebraska 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 Nebraska.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Nebraska Lincoln (1210) is 20 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Nebraska students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Nebraska Lincoln 1098/1330; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Nebraska Lincoln 22/28; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nebraska - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Nebraska May 1, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nebraska students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Nebraska has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.8% at Nebraska vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Nebraska vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nebraska 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 Nebraska Lincoln's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Nebraska Lincoln earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Nebraska Lincoln graduates have a $4,833 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($21,700 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Nebraska graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($224 vs. $274).
• More Nebraska graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.