Ursinus College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ursinus College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,502 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ursinus College is located in Collegeville, PA (Large Suburban setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Ursinus College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ursinus College 10:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Ursinus College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ursinus College 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 Ursinus College ($22,990 vs. $32,158).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 52.4% lower than at Ursinus College ($8,100 vs. $17,028).
• Ursinus College is 81.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $27,420 more per year; $61,210.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.1% higher at Ursinus College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $27,420 more per year; $61,210.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ursinus College as at Dakota Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ursinus College students is 114% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($44,754 vs. $20,910).

Ursinus College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ursinus College 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 Ursinus College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ursinus College (1290) is 100 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Ursinus College students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ursinus College 1200/1385; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ursinus College 28/32; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ursinus College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ursinus College May 1, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ursinus College students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Ursinus College has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Ursinus College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Ursinus College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ursinus College 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).

• Ursinus College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Ursinus College earn a median of about $19,800 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,000 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have a $467 lower median loan debt than Ursinus College graduates ($26,533 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ursinus College graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Ursinus College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.