Dakota Wesleyan University vs University of North Dakota (UND)
Dakota Wesleyan University and University of North Dakota, two distinct institutions of higher learning in South Dakota and North Dakota, respectively, offer unique educational experiences to prospective students. Dakota Wesleyan, a private university with a smaller student body, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a focus on undergraduate education. In contrast, the University of North Dakota, a public research university, offers a wider range of graduate programs and a larger, more diverse student population. While both universities offer strong academic programs, their distinct characteristics may appeal to different types of students. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover the key differences between these two institutions, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, to determine which university best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Dakota Wesleyan University |
![]() University of North Dakota |
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Overview |
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Location | Mitchell, South Dakota | Grand Forks, North Dakota |
Campus setting | Town: Remote | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 71.0% | 77.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Methodism | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 75.7% | 89.0% |
Application fees | $110 |
Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$35
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SAT range | 860 - 1100 | 1110 - 1290 |
ACT range | 19 - 25 | 20 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 3.0% | 6.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 60.0% | 59.0% |
Total number of applicants | 1,047 | 5,962 |
Total number of admissions given out | 793 | 5,308 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 169 | 1,755 |
Yield rate | 21.3% | 33.1% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $43,080 |
In state:
$24,764
Out of state:
$29,205
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Average net price | $21,830 | $17,425 |
Tuition | $29,700 |
In state:
$8,882
Out of state:
$13,323
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$3,350
Meal plan:
$4,200
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Room/dormitory:
$4,770
Meal plan:
$5,152
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $18,033 |
83.0%
Average amount $5,576 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
92.0%
Average amount $5,049 |
55.0%
Average amount $5,142 |
Students taking out private loans |
26.0%
Average amount $13,323 |
24.0%
Average amount $15,124 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
770
Men 42.9% Women 57.1% |
9,718
Men 56.6% Women 43.4% |
Graduate students |
156
Men 35.3% Women 64.7% |
4,054
Men 36.4% Women 63.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Very Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 60.5% |
International students | 1.1% | 6.8% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Remote | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 520 | 4,588 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | North Dakota Minnesota California Wisconsin Illinois |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 12:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 54.9% | 61.8% |
Dropout rate | 38.3% | 9.4% |
Transferred out | 6.9% | 26.4% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Services, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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