Washington College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Washington College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (923 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Washington College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington College 8:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Washington College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington 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 Washington College ($22,990 vs. $29,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 55.6% lower than at Washington College ($8,100 vs. $18,250).
• Washington College is 63.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $21,536 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.7% higher at Washington College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $21,536 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Washington College as at Dakota Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington College students is 108% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($43,485 vs. $20,910).

Washington College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington College (1270) is 80 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Washington College students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 1140/1390; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 27/31; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington College Feb 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington College students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Washington College (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Washington College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Washington College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington 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).

• Washington College's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Washington College earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,800 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington College graduates have a $2,283 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Washington College graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($250 vs. $274).
• More Washington College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.