Trinity College vs. Dakota Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Trinity College in Hartford, CT with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Trinity College is larger than Dakota Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 892 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Trinity College is located in Hartford, CT (Midsize City setting); Dakota Wesleyan University is in Mitchell, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Trinity College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Trinity College 9:1; Dakota Wesleyan University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota Wesleyan University are 57.1% lower than at Trinity College ($8,100 vs. $18,890).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.4% higher at Trinity College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (about $36,980 more per year; $70,770 vs. $33,790).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota Wesleyan University than at Trinity College (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Trinity College students is 147.5% larger than aid received by Dakota Wesleyan University students ($51,754 vs. $20,910).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 11 points higher at Trinity College than at Dakota Wesleyan University (32 vs. 21, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at Trinity College, test-free at Dakota Wesleyan University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Trinity College Jan 17, 2027; Dakota Wesleyan University Aug 27, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Trinity College average a 3.8 high school GPA, 0.44 higher than at Dakota Wesleyan University (3.36).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.8% at Trinity College vs. 21% at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Trinity College graduates have a $5,533 lower median loan debt than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($21,000 vs. $26,533).
• Among borrowers, Trinity College graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota Wesleyan University graduates ($217 vs. $274).
• More Trinity 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, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.