Westmont College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Westmont College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,310 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Westmont College is located in Santa Barbara, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Westmont College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Westmont College 10:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Westmont College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Westmont 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 Westmont College ($22,990 vs. $32,172).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 52.2% lower than at Westmont College ($8,100 vs. $16,960).
• Westmont College is 58.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $19,794 more per year; $53,584.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.6% higher at Westmont College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $19,794 more per year; $53,584.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Westmont College as at Dakota Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Westmont College students is 86.3% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($38,956 vs. $20,910).

Westmont College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westmont College (1350) is 160 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Westmont College 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: Westmont College 1240/1450; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Westmont College 25/32; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Westmont College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Westmont College students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Westmont College has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at Westmont College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Westmont College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Westmont 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).

• Westmont College's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Westmont College earn a median of about $16,400 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Westmont College graduates have a $1,410 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($25,123 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Westmont College graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($259 vs. $274).
• More Westmont College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.