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Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD · Town · 670 students
4
Year
Private Non-profit
Town
Small (<3k)
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
Cost
Cost of attendance
$43,864
Avg net price
$19,735
Room & board
$8,100
Tuition
$33,790
Books & supplies
$1,500/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$15,251
$30–48k
$15,750
$48–75k
$15,927
$75–110k
$19,048
$110k+
$22,416
Admissions
Admit rate
73%
Test policy
Not required
ACT midpoint
22

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Essay Requirements

This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
4-yr on-time completion
43%
1st-yr retention
75%
Transfer-out rate
15%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
53%
Transferred
8%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
39%
Median earnings (6yr)
$49,432
Median earnings (10yr)
$53,728
Median debt
$27,000
Monthly loan payment
$286
Debt range (25th–75th)
$8,250$27,000
Debt (90th percentile)
$37,500
Student Body
Men 50%Women 50%
12
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
27%
First-generation
29%
Median family income
$68,742
Independent students
23%
Avg age at entry
22.0
Part-time students
4%
Race & ethnicity
White
80%
Hispanic
7%
Black
2%
Two or more
5%
Non-resident
3%
AI/AN
1%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$49,432
10 years after entry
$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
Endowment
$43M
Classification
Baccalaureate (Diverse)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions
Full-time faculty
52%
Avg faculty salary
$6,962/mo
Instructional spend/student
$7,028
Federal loan rate
73%

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