Wheaton College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Wheaton College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,874 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wheaton College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wheaton 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 Wheaton College ($22,990 vs. $31,356).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 37.7% lower than at Wheaton College ($8,100 vs. $13,010).
• Wheaton College is 34.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $11,756 more per year; $45,546.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.8% higher at Wheaton College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $11,756 more per year; $45,546.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Wheaton College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheaton College students is 33.8% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($27,987 vs. $20,910).

Wheaton College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheaton College (1370) is 180 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Wheaton 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: Wheaton College 1260/1470; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wheaton College 28/32; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wheaton College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wheaton College Aug 1, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wheaton College students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Wheaton College has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.9% at Wheaton College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Wheaton College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wheaton 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).

• Wheaton College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Wheaton College earn a median of about $16,100 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have a $4,033 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($232 vs. $274).
• More Wheaton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.