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 sits on a residential campus in Mitchell, South Dakota, approximately 70 miles west of Sioux Falls. Founded in 1885 by Methodist settlers, this private liberal arts institution operates from a campus featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the notable Dakota Discovery Museum. The university maintains a competitive nursing program and offers degrees in education, business, and digital media, while also housing the George and Eleanor McGovern Library and Center for Leadership and Public Service. Students typically reside in one of three residence halls on the main campus, and the university competes in the Great Plains Athletic Conference as the DWU Tigers, participating primarily in NAIA Division II athletics.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Dakota Wesleyan University is rated within the lower 49% 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 | $7,600 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,850 |
| Total One Year Cost | $43,840 |
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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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, 2025