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Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD · Town · 670 students
WebsiteScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$19,735
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
47%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
43% typical
$53,728
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$45,606 typical
73%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
75% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Dakota Wesleyan University is a private, Methodist-affiliated liberal arts institution best known for its strong career preparation, boasting standout academic programs in nursing, education, and business administration. The university distinguishes itself through the McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service, which embeds civic engagement, community outreach, and ethical leadership throughout the student experience. Campus culture is close-knit, supportive, and active, with a significant majority of the student body participating in competitive NAIA athletics, campus ministries, and fine arts. Driven by robust regional clinical and corporate partnerships, DWU emphasizes practical, hands-on learning that translates into consistently high graduate employment and licensure pass rates.

Wikipedia:Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a private Methodist university in Mitchell, South Dakota, United States. It was founded in 1885 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The student body averages slightly fewer than 800 students. The campus of the university is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Location
Mitchell, SD, 57301-4398 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
OMA · Omaha
198 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$33,790
Housing & food (on campus)$8,100
Books & supplies$1,500
Cost of attendance$43,864
Average net price$19,735
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$33,790
Housing & food (on campus)$8,100
Books & supplies$1,500
Cost of attendance$43,864
Average net price$19,735
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$15,251
$30–48k
$15,750
$48–75k
$15,927
$75–110k
$19,048
$110k+
$22,416
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
47%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
43%
Back for yr 2
75%
Transferred
15%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
53% graduated · 8% transferred · 39% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$49,432
10 yrs after entry$53,728
Debt
Median at graduation$27,000
Monthly payment$286
Middle 50% owe$8.3k–$27k
90th percentile$37,500
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — diverse fields: 43% graduate within 6 yrs, $45,606 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
73%
Test policy
Not required
Per College Scorecard
ACT midpoint
22

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Essay prompts

If Dakota Wesleyan University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the school's application.

Student Body
Gender
Men 50%Women 50%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
12 : 1
Pell grant
27%
First-gen
29%
Family income
$68,742
Independent
23%
Age at entry
22.0
Part-time
4%
Race & ethnicity
White
80%
Hispanic
7%
Black
2%
Two or more
5%
Non-resident
3%
AI/AN
1%
Varsity sports
NAIA Division I · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$49,432
After 10 yrs
$53,728
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing35
Business Administration, Management and Operations23
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods17
Psychology, General17
Biology, General8
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness7
Accounting and Related Services6
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology5
Behavioral Sciences5
Criminal Justice and Corrections5
Visual and Performing Arts, General5
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations4
Special Education and Teaching3
English Language and Literature, General3
History3
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management2
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$43M
Full-time faculty
52%
Faculty salary
$6,962/mo
Teaching spend
$7,028
per student
Federal loans
73%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — diverse fields
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Dakota Wesleyan University is the right fit for you?

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Financial aid & net cost estimates
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