Dakota Wesleyan University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Mitchell, South Dakota with 670 undergraduates. It admits 73% of applicants, costs an average of $24,039 a year after grants and graduates 54% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Dakota Wesleyan University acceptance rate and admissions
Dakota Wesleyan University admitted 73% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Neither required nor recommended (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Dakota Wesleyan University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $34,540 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $8,500 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $45,259 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $24,039 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $24,039 a year after grants and scholarships, $21,220 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Dakota Wesleyan University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Dakota Wesleyan University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 54% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $57,757 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $26,859 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 47% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Dakota Wesleyan University majors and what graduates earn
Dakota Wesleyan University awarded bachelor's degrees in 24 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($76,515).
All 24 majors at Dakota Wesleyan University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 42 | $74,071 | $76,515 | $27,500 |
| Business administration | 20 | $48,437 | n/a | $23,218 |
| Teacher education by grade level | 13 | n/a | n/a | $27,000 |
| Biochemistry and molecular biology | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Art and design, general | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Criminal justice | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Education | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biology | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Psychology | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Wildlife management | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Special education | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Theater | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Accounting | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Communication | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Music | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Behavioral sciences | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Human services | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| English | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Dakota Wesleyan University
5 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 5 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | Master's | 46 | $59,376 | $22,500 |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| Education | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 3 | $44,722 | n/a |
Students and location
- 670 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 50% women, 50% men
- 12 students for every faculty member
- Setting: remote town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Dakota Wesleyan University?
Dakota Wesleyan University admitted 73% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Dakota Wesleyan University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $34,540. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $24,039 a year in 2024-25.
Is Dakota Wesleyan University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Dakota Wesleyan University reported that test scores were: neither required nor recommended. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Dakota Wesleyan University?
54% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Dakota Wesleyan University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $57,757 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in South Dakota · Dakota Wesleyan University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.