Dakota State University vs Dakota Wesleyan University
Dakota State University is a public university in Madison, SD. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private university in Mitchell, SD. Dakota Wesleyan University admits about 73% of applicants and Dakota State University about 88%, making Dakota Wesleyan University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,735 a year at Dakota Wesleyan University after aid, and about $21,057 at Dakota State University. About 50% of students graduate at Dakota State University, compared with 47% at Dakota Wesleyan University. Ten years after enrolling, Dakota Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $53,728, against $50,970 for Dakota State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Madison, SD
Mitchell, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,071
670
Acceptance rate
88%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1440
950–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,057
$19,735
Full cost / yr
$25,753
$43,864
In-state tuition
$9,654
$33,790
Out-of-state tuition
$12,756
$33,790
Application fee
$20
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,317
$15,251
$30k - $48k
$18,792
$15,750
$48k - $75k
$19,165
$15,927
$75k - $110k
$22,601
$19,048
Over $110k
$23,269
$22,416
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
47%
Freshman retention
75%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,146
$49,432
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,970
$53,728
Median debt at graduation
$23,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
27%
First-generation students
28%
29%
International students
6%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Dakota State University or Dakota Wesleyan University harder to get into?
- Dakota Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 73% of applicants, compared with 88% at Dakota State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Dakota State University or Dakota Wesleyan University?
- Dakota Wesleyan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,735 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,057 at Dakota State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Dakota State University and Dakota Wesleyan University?
- Before aid, Dakota State University costs about $25,753 a year and Dakota Wesleyan University about $43,864. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Dakota State University or Dakota Wesleyan University?
- Dakota Wesleyan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,251 there, against about $17,317 at Dakota State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Dakota State University or Dakota Wesleyan University?
- Dakota State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,071 undergraduates against 670 at Dakota Wesleyan University.
- Does Dakota State University or Dakota Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
- Dakota State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 47% at Dakota Wesleyan University.
- Do graduates of Dakota State University or Dakota Wesleyan University earn more?
- Dakota Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,728 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,970 for Dakota State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Dakota State University and Dakota Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Dakota State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Dakota Wesleyan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Dakota State University and Dakota Wesleyan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1440 at Dakota State University and 950–1420 at Dakota Wesleyan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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