Dakota Wesleyan University vs Northern State University
Dakota Wesleyan University is a private university in Mitchell, SD, and Northern State University is a public university in Aberdeen, SD. Dakota Wesleyan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 73% of applicants against 93% at Northern State University. Northern State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,812 a year against $19,735 at Dakota Wesleyan University. About 51% of students graduate at Northern 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 $47,618 for Northern State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Mitchell, SD
Aberdeen, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
670
1,273
Acceptance rate
73%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.42–3.92
3.16–3.66
SAT (middle 50%)
950–1420
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,735
$15,812
Full cost / yr
$43,864
$22,077
In-state tuition
$33,790
$8,845
Out-of-state tuition
$33,790
$11,947
Application fee
Not reported
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,251
$10,762
$30k - $48k
$15,750
$12,087
$48k - $75k
$15,927
$15,293
$75k - $110k
$19,048
$18,372
Over $110k
$22,416
$17,933
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
51%
Freshman retention
75%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,432
$41,536
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,728
$47,618
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,320
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
12%
First-generation students
29%
31%
International students
3%
2%
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 Wesleyan University or Northern State University harder to get into?
- Dakota Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 73% of applicants, compared with 93% at Northern 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 Wesleyan University or Northern State University?
- Northern State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,812 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,735 at Dakota Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University and Northern State University?
- Before aid, Northern State University costs about $22,077 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 Wesleyan University or Northern State University?
- Northern State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,762 there, against about $15,251 at Dakota Wesleyan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Dakota Wesleyan University or Northern State University?
- Northern State University is the larger of the two, with about 1,273 undergraduates against 670 at Dakota Wesleyan University.
- Does Dakota Wesleyan University or Northern State University have a better graduation rate?
- Northern State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 47% at Dakota Wesleyan University.
- Do graduates of Dakota Wesleyan University or Northern State University earn more?
- Dakota Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,728 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,618 for Northern State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Dakota Wesleyan University and Northern State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Dakota Wesleyan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Dakota Wesleyan University and Northern State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 950–1420 at Dakota Wesleyan University and 980–1160 at Northern State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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