West Point vs. Dakota State

Comparable Facts

Compare United States Military Academy in West Point, New York with Dakota State University in Madison, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

United States Military Academy is larger than Dakota State based on total student enrollment (4,473 students vs. 3,774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• United States Military Academy is located in West Point, New York (Large Suburban setting); Dakota State University is in Madison, SD (Distant Town setting).
• United States Military Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: United States Military Academy 6:1; Dakota State University 18:1.

West Point vs. Dakota State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, West Point or Dakota State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Dakota State University and West Point ($9,654.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Dakota State and United States Military Academy ($12,756.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota State University than at United States Military Academy (88% vs. 0%).

West Point vs. Dakota State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, West Point or Dakota State? 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 State and West Point.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at United States Military Academy (1320) is the same as at Dakota State (1320).
• Incoming West Point students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 23 at Dakota State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: United States Military Academy 1200/1430; Dakota State University 1190/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: United States Military Academy 27/33; Dakota State University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: West Point - Required; Dakota State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: West Point Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman West Point students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Dakota State (3.33).
• Dakota State has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than West Point (12.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 77.9% at West Point vs. 18% at Dakota State.

West Point vs. Dakota State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for West Point and Dakota State? 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).

• United States Military Academy's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Dakota State University's (34%).

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.