Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, South Dakota 57301-4398
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
Dakota Wesleyan University is a private institution in Mitchell with particular strength in business and health sciences.
A small campus of 661 undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
46% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $53,728 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,300.
Plan Your Visit
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
22.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
4
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (58)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
69%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Tigers
History & Fun Facts
- •History In 1883, a small band of Methodist settlers meeting in the Dakota Territory secured a charter to found the college as Dakota University.
- •On October 14, 1904, the institution assumed its present name of Dakota Wesleyan University.
- •By 1920, Dakota Wesleyan University was the largest independent college in the state, with an enrollment of more than 300.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from SD state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Schools Like This
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD · Urban · Private
A T Still University of Health Sciences
Kirksville, MO · Town · Private
Academy for Jewish Religion
Yonkers, NY · Suburban · Private
Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences
Oakland, CA · Urban · Private