Hillsdale College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Hillsdale College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,792 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hillsdale College is located in Hillsdale, Michigan (Distant Town setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Hillsdale College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hillsdale College 8:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Hillsdale College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale College ($22,990 vs. $23,993).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 40.4% lower than at Hillsdale College ($8,100 vs. $13,600).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hillsdale College (about $601 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Hillsdale College (about $601 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $33,189.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Hillsdale College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hillsdale College students is 16.3% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($24,328 vs. $20,910).

Hillsdale College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hillsdale College (1410) is 220 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Hillsdale College students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hillsdale College 1320/1490; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hillsdale College 30/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hillsdale College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hillsdale College Mar 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hillsdale College students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (73.4%) than Hillsdale College (20.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.5% at Hillsdale College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Hillsdale College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hillsdale 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).

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.