College comparison

Dakota State University vs Western Illinois University

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	Dakota State University Madison, SD	Western Illinois University Macomb, IL
Acceptance rateWestern Illinois University is more selective	88%	71%
SAT (25–75)	1190–1440	—
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	2,071	4,410
Avg net price	$21,057	$12,937
Median earnings (10 yr)Western Illinois University reports higher median earnings	$50,970	$54,163
Graduation rate	51%	45%
Median debt	$23,500	$25,251
Economic mobility	—	1.2%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is Dakota State University or Western Illinois University harder to get into?

Western Illinois University is more selective: Dakota State University's acceptance rate is approximately 88% and Western Illinois University's is approximately 71% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Dakota State University vs Western Illinois University?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1190–1440 at Dakota State University and — at Western Illinois University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.