Academic Comparison between Dakota State and Dakota Wesleyan

Dakota State University and Dakota Wesleyan University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Dakota State is a four-year, public school located in Madison, SD and Dakota Wesleyan is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Mitchell, SD.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Dakota State is a public and Dakota Wesleyan is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Dakota Wesleyan has more expensive tuition & fees ($33,790) than Dakota State ($12,756).
  • It is harder to admit to Dakota Wesleyan than Dakota State.
  • Dakota State has more students with 3,774 students while Dakota Wesleyan has 892 students.
  • Dakota Wesleyan has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Dakota State's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Dakota State has more full-time faculties with 100 faculties while Dakota Wesleyan has 45 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Dakota State Universityvs.Dakota Wesleyan University
Madison, South DakotaLocationMitchell, South Dakota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$9,654
Out-Of-State$12,756
2025 Tuition & Fees$33,790
44%% Receiving Financial Aid79%
$6,250Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,498
88.05 %Acceptance Rates73.38 %
17.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.98 %
1,320SAT Score-
24ACT Score-
51 %Graduation Rate48 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
75 %Retention Rate75 %
3,774Student Population892
100Number of Faculties45
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services