Dakota Wesleyan University
Dakota Wesleyan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Dakota Wesleyan University at a Glance
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a private Methodist university in Mitchell, South Dakota, United States. It was founded in 1885 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The student body averages slightly fewer than 800 students. The campus of the university is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1885
141 years old
733
Identity
Is Dakota Wesleyan University Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, Dakota Wesleyan University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,728 — 0% above average — while paying $19,735/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Dakota Wesleyan University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Dakota Wesleyan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #44 of 115 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #2 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #5 | Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | 47 | $21,863 | $65,071 |
| #6 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #44 | Dakota Wesleyan University | 32 | $19,735 | $53,728 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Dakota Wesleyan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Dakota Wesleyan University
The highest-earning program at Dakota Wesleyan University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $36,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Dakota Wesleyan University earns $55,900, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $36,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $24,176 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,735/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $55,900 | $55,900 | $24,176 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,300 | $36,300 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in SD
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Mitchell, SD
- Student Body
- 670 students
- Admission Rate
- 73%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,735
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,728
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000