Thomas Aquinas College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dakota Wesleyan University is larger than Thomas Aquinas College based on total student enrollment (892 students vs. 566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Aquinas College is located in Santa Paula, CA (Distant Rural setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Thomas Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Aquinas College 11:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas Aquinas 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 Thomas Aquinas College ($22,990 vs. $24,820).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 27.7% lower than at Thomas Aquinas College ($8,100 vs. $11,200).
• Dakota Wesleyan University is 11.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas Aquinas College (about $3,590 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.9% higher at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Thomas Aquinas College (about $3,590 more per year; $33,790.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Thomas Aquinas College (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students is 12.4% larger than aid received by Thomas Aquinas College students ($20,910 vs. $18,606).

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas Aquinas 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 Thomas Aquinas College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Aquinas College (1310) is 120 points higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (1190).
• Incoming Thomas Aquinas College students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at Dakota Wesleyan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 1220/1400; Dakota Wesleyan University 950/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 28/33; Dakota Wesleyan University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas Aquinas College - Required; Dakota Wesleyan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Thomas Aquinas College students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• Thomas Aquinas College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Dakota Wesleyan University (73.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 67.7% at Thomas Aquinas College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas Aquinas 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).

• Thomas Aquinas College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Dakota Wesleyan University's (43%).
• Graduates from Thomas Aquinas College earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have a $9,533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($17,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($175 vs. $274).
• More Thomas Aquinas College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota Wesleyan University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.