Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Mitchell, South Dakota |
| Online | dwu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Religious Affiliation | United Methodist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU), a private liberal arts university founded in 1885, is located in Mitchell, South Dakota, with a campus notable for its blend of historic and modern architecture, including the iconic Dakota Wesleyan University Chapel. DWU provides a rural campus atmosphere approximately an hour's drive from Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields, with particular emphasis on nursing, business administration, and education. Dakota Wesleyan prides itself on a moderately selective admissions process which seeks to attract a diverse student body. On-campus living is facilitated through multiple residence halls, which aim to accommodate the majority of its student population. While Dakota Wesleyan may not be widely recognized for its athletics, it competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), with teams known as the Tigers.
In the most recent statistical year 1,209 prospective students applied, and 904 were granted admission. Of those admitted 168 enrolled in the school. 658 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 229 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $30,700 plus fees of $1,190.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Dakota Wesleyan University is rated within the lower 48% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 950/1420 |
| ACT | 18/24 |
| GPA | 3.36 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 27, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Other Fees | $1,190 |
| Room and Board | $7,450 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,850 |
| Total One Year Cost | $42,690 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 37% |
| Business | 13% |
| Education | 9% |
| Biology | 7% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 6% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Dakota Wesleyan University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219091 IPEDS survey data for Dakota Wesleyan University.
Current students may use the Dakota Wesleyan University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024