Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Dakota Wesleyan University
Set in Mitchell, home to the quirky Corn Palace, Dakota Wesleyan University is known for close attention to students and a practical, hands-on approach to learning. Courses build a strong liberal-arts base with depth in business, health-related fields, the sciences, education, and the arts. Faculty have a reputation for being accessible, and the campus backs that up with a bright library, modern labs and studios, athletic and fitness facilities, writing and tutoring centers, counseling, and advising.
Life here leans close-knit and service-minded. Students pack their weeks with clubs, music and theater, faith-based options, intramurals, and time outdoors around Lake Mitchell. Career prep runs through everything, from internships with local schools, hospitals, and nonprofits to regional employer connections and alumni mentoring. The McGovern legacy shapes a spirit of public service, and yes, alumnus George McGovern still looms large. It feels grounded, purposeful, and quietly ambitious.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) offers 29 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 233 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (6 programs, 84 graduates), Health (2 programs, 48 graduates), Education (7 programs, 40 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 15 graduates) and Arts (3 programs, 15 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (6 programs, 84 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business and Management Services | 46 |
|
Master's
|
52.9999 |
| Business Administration and Management | 19 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0701 |
| Organizational Leadership | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0213 |
| Accounting | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Nonprofit and Organizational Management | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0206 |
Health (2 programs, 48 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 42 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Athletic Training | 6 |
|
Master's
|
51.0913 |
Education (7 programs, 40 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| General Education | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| History Teacher Education | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1328 |
| Higher Education Administration | 3 |
|
Master's
|
13.0406 |
| Special Education Teaching | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1001 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1305 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 15 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Arts (3 programs, 15 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Arts | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0102 |
| Theatre Arts | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Music | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 9 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0104 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 6 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
Psychology (1 programs, 5 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 4 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
| General Studies | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0102 |
Natural Resources (1 programs, 3 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
03.0601 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU)
How much does it cost to attend Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU)?
The annual tuition at Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is $32,890 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $43,840 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $7,600 (on) / $9,000 (off) and books and supplies $1,500.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Dakota Wesleyan University offer?
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) offers 29 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (6 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (2 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (7 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Dakota Wesleyan University?
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) has an 72.8% acceptance rate and a 21.9% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,153
- Students admitted: 839
- Students enrolled: 184
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Dakota Wesleyan University?
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) provides financial aid to 23% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $20,598 and average loans of $8,302.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $2,501
- State/Local grants: $4,060
- Institutional grants: $17,701
- Federal loans: $4,330
The university supports 164 students with grants and 145 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Dakota Wesleyan University graduates?
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) graduates earn a median salary of $49,432 after 6 years and $53,728 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $38,140 (25th percentile) to $73,136 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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