Willamette University vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Willamette University in Salem, OR with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 892 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Willamette University is located in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Willamette University 13:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Willamette University vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Willamette University 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 Willamette University ($22,990 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 49.8% lower than at Willamette University ($8,100 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 51.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $17,366 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.4% higher at Willamette University than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $17,366 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University as at Dakota Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 82.1% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($38,080 vs. $20,910).

Willamette University vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Willamette University or Dakota Wesleyan University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Dakota Wesleyan University and Willamette University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 150 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (30 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Willamette University 1240/1440; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Willamette University 28/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Willamette University - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Willamette University students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Willamette University vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Willamette University vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Willamette University and Dakota Wesleyan University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Willamette University 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, Willamette University graduates have a $533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Willamette University 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.