About

About Dakota Wesleyan University

private wesleyan institutionsouth dakota liberal artssmall class sizeshealth sciences focusaccessible admissions

Dakota Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college in Mitchell, SD, known for its private wesleyan institution, south dakota liberal arts, and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 75%, Dakota Wesleyan University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 168 students each year. Dakota Wesleyan University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 950–1420, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Dakota Wesleyan University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $17,975 per year; the sticker price of $41,280 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Dakota Wesleyan University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

75%
Overall Accept Rate
1185
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 950 – 1420 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Dakota Wesleyan University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Demonstrated Interest
Visit the DWU campus in Mitchell and connect with an admissions counselor in person. Small schools like DWU often track campus visits and personal outreach, and making that direct connection can set you apart from applicants who apply without any contact.
Essay Strategy
DWU is a United Methodist affiliated school with a strong emphasis on servant leadership and community engagement, so weave a specific story into your application that shows how you have served others or led with purpose, not just participated in activities.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Dakota Wesleyan University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$41k/yr$15.3k
30k-48k~$41k/yr$15.8k
48k-75k~$41k/yr$15.9k
75k-110k~$41k/yr$19.0k
110k+~$41k/yr$22.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

46%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$49k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
636
Undergrad Enrollment
Dakota Wesleyan University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch