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Dakota Wesleyan University

#6 in Best Colleges in South Dakota
  • 4 Year
  • Mitchell, SD
  • 116 reviews
    How to Apply
    B
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      B
    2. Value
      B
    3. Diversity
      B
    4. Campus
      B+
    5. Athletics
      B
    6. Party Scene
      B
    7. Professors
      B-
    8. Location
      B+
    9. Dorms
      B+
    10. Campus Food
      B
    11. Student Life
      B
    12. Safety
      A
    View Full Report Card
    Dakota Wesleyan is an above-average private, Christian university located in Mitchell, South Dakota. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 668 undergraduate students. Admissions is somewhat competitive as the Dakota Wesleyan acceptance rate is 76%. Popular majors include Nursing, Business, and Biology. Graduating 52% of students, Dakota Wesleyan alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $35,000.
    About Dakota Wesleyan University...
    Athletic Division
    NAIA Division II
    Athletic Conference
    Great Plains Athletic Conference
    Address
    1200 W University Ave
    Mitchell, SD 57301
    Website
    dwu.edu

    Dakota Wesleyan University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    76%
    Application Deadline
    Rolling Admissions
    SAT Range
    750-1170
    ACT Range
    20-24
    Application Fee
    $0
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    —

    Test Prep

    SAT and ACT Prep Options
    Learn More
    • 200-Point SAT & 4-Point ACT Score Improvement Guarantees
    • Save $200 When You Enroll Online

    Cost

    Net Price
    $20,948/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $16,299/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    100%

    Academics

    Professors
    B-
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    9:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    No
    67%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.6 responses
    100%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.8 responses
    50%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.8 responses

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Nursing
      71 Graduates
    • Business
      23 Graduates
    • Biology
      15 Graduates
    • Sport and Fitness Management
      13 Graduates
    • Accounting
      11 Graduates
    • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
      11 Graduates
    • Psychology
      11 Graduates
    • Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
      10 Graduates
    • Human Services
      9 Graduates
    • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
      8 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    668Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    124
    Undergrads Over 25
    8%
    Pell Grant
    38%
    Varsity Athletes
    63%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 6 responses
    Report
    • Motivated
      83%
    • Hick
      17%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    91%
    Poll
    80%
    of students say they don't have Greek life.10 responses
    Poll
    58%
    of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.12 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 5 responses
    Report
    • Small and comfortable
      80%
    • Small yet Big
      20%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $37,200/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    52%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    92%
    National
    83%
    100%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.5 responses
    Colleges like Dakota Wesleyan University
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    Dakota Wesleyan University Reviews

    116 reviews
    All Categories
    My education was absolutely relevant to what I wanted to do after I graduated. So instead of graduating with a list of classes, I graduated with a list of experiences that helped me get a great job right away. It is a small, but filled with opportunities!
    Start Your Review of Dakota Wesleyan University
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    It is a smaller campus which makes everyone feel like a big family. The campus itself has very pretty scenery which makes going to school a lot better. They have trees all around campus which makes it very easy for you to go out and hang your hammock if you want. The cafe at DWU has gotten so much better in the last few years, they just got a new catering staff and they do such a good job.
    The best thing about Dakota Wesleyan University is the small campus and small classes. The small campus makes it easy to get to classes on time. The small classes provide a more one-on-one way of teaching. Professors learn your name and are closer to students than a bigger state school. A least favorite part of Dakota Wesleyan University for me would have to be the cafeteria. It seems as if they serve the same things over and over again.