University of St Thomas vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of St Thomas in Saint Paul, MN with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of St Thomas is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (9,410 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of St Thomas is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• University of St Thomas 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 St Thomas 14:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

University of St Thomas vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of St Thomas 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 University of St Thomas ($22,990 vs. $31,250).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 45.9% lower than at University of St Thomas ($8,100 vs. $14,969).
• University of St Thomas is 61% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $20,608 more per year; $54,398.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61% higher at University of St Thomas than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $20,608 more per year; $54,398.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at University of St Thomas (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Thomas students is 70.2% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($35,587 vs. $20,910).

University of St Thomas vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of St Thomas 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 University of St Thomas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Thomas (1340) is 150 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming University of St Thomas students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 1260/1423; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 25/30; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of St Thomas - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Thomas Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Thomas students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• University of St Thomas has a higher acceptance rate (85.4%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.8% at University of St Thomas vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

University of St Thomas vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of St Thomas 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 St Thomas's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of St Thomas earn a median of about $23,800 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of St Thomas graduates have a $533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, University of St Thomas graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More University of St Thomas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.