University of St Thomas vs. Dakota State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of St Thomas in Saint Paul, MN with Dakota State University in Madison, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of St Thomas is larger than Dakota State based on total student enrollment (9,410 students vs. 3,774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of St Thomas is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Dakota State University is in Madison, SD (Distant Town setting).
• University of St Thomas is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of St Thomas 14:1; Dakota State University 18:1.

University of St Thomas vs. Dakota State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of St Thomas or Dakota State? 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 State University than University of St Thomas ($20,438 vs. $31,250).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota State University are 34.9% lower than at University of St Thomas ($9,742 vs. $14,969).
• University of St Thomas is 463.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota State (about $44,744 more per year; $54,398.00 vs. $9,654.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 326.5% higher at University of St Thomas than at Dakota State University (about $41,642 more per year; $54,398.00 vs. $12,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of St Thomas than at Dakota State University (95% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Thomas students is 562.6% larger than aid received by Dakota State University students ($35,587 vs. $5,371).

University of St Thomas vs. Dakota State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of St Thomas 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 University of St Thomas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of St Thomas (1340) is 20 points higher than at Dakota State (1320).
• Incoming University of St Thomas students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Dakota State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 1260/1423; Dakota State University 1190/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 25/30; Dakota State University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of St Thomas - Test optional; Dakota State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Thomas Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of St Thomas students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Dakota State (3.33).
• Dakota State has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than University of St Thomas (85.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.8% at University of St Thomas vs. 18% at Dakota State.

University of St Thomas vs. Dakota State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of St Thomas 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).

• University of St Thomas's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Dakota State University's (34%).
• Graduates from University of St Thomas earn a median of about $19,800 more per year than Dakota State graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,000 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than University of St Thomas graduates ($23,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Dakota State graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Thomas graduates ($242 vs. $268).
• More University of St Thomas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota State students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 67%)

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.