Kalamazoo College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Kalamazoo College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (1,166 students vs. 892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kalamazoo College is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Kalamazoo College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kalamazoo College 10:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Kalamazoo College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo College ($22,990 vs. $26,956).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 35.5% lower than at Kalamazoo College ($8,100 vs. $12,549).
• Kalamazoo College is 80.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota Wesleyan University (about $27,260 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.7% higher at Kalamazoo College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $27,260 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $33,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Kalamazoo College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kalamazoo College students is 126% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($47,252 vs. $20,910).

Kalamazoo College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kalamazoo College (1280) is 90 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Kalamazoo College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kalamazoo College 1170/1380; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kalamazoo College 20/29; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kalamazoo College - Test optional; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kalamazoo College Jan 15, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kalamazoo College students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Kalamazoo College has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at Kalamazoo College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Kalamazoo College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kalamazoo 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).

• Kalamazoo College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Kalamazoo College earn a median of about $16,200 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kalamazoo College graduates have a $83 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($26,450 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Kalamazoo College graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($273 vs. $274).
• More Kalamazoo College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.