Dakota Wesleyan University
About Dakota Wesleyan University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Dakota Wesleyan University is a private university in Mitchell, SD. It has a 74.8% acceptance rate and a 53.4% graduation rate, serving approximately 632 students.
Founded
1885
Location
Mitchell, South Dakota
Students
791
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
73.4%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
48.3%
Below national average
Tuition
$33,790
Per year
Avg Net Price
$19,735
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$53,728
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
73.4 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
With a 73.4% acceptance rate, Dakota Wesleyan University admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
SAT Scores
N/A
Not reported
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Average: 22 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.1%
4-Year Grad
46%
6-Year Grad
50%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
52.2%
$/Student
$7.0K
Class Size
Medium
While 46% finish in 4 years, 75.1% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$33,790
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$8,100
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$43,864
After Financial Aid
$19,735
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$15,251
Receive Grants
27.1%
Take Loans
72.8%
The total cost of attendance runs about $43,864/yr, including $8,100 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $19,735.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Dakota Wesleyan University fund their education.
While in School
27.1%
Get Grants
Free money
72.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$68,742
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $54K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Dakota Wesleyan University.
Gender
49.7%
Female
50%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
670
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
121
Graduates
28.9%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
10.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (50% women, 50% men). 28.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
670
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Baccalaureate
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Dakota Wesleyan University fields 9 varsity teams with 292 student athletes, about 44% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
Great Plains
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
292
44% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
178
Men
114
Women
7
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Dakota Wesleyan Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,728
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$68K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
23 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
—
17 grads
Psychology, General
—
17 grads
Biology, General
—
8 grads
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
—
7 grads
Graduates earn about $49K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dakota Wesleyan University
What is the acceptance rate at Dakota Wesleyan University?▾
How much does Dakota Wesleyan University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Dakota Wesleyan University?▾
How much do Dakota Wesleyan University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.