Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, South Dakota
Dakota Wesleyan University is a private institution in Mitchell, South Dakota with 661 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $32,890 compared with a South Dakota nursing-school average of $14,097. The school reports a graduation rate of 46.4%, median earnings of $53,728, and median federal debt of $27,000.
$32,890 is higher than the state average of $14,097.
46.4% is lower than the state average of 54.1%.
$53,728 is higher than the state average of $47,164.
About Dakota Wesleyan University
| Location | Mitchell, South Dakota |
| Institution Type | Private Nonprofit |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.dwu.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $32,890 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $32,890 |
| Total Enrollment | 661 |
| Acceptance Rate | 72.8% |
| Graduation Rate | 46.4% |
| Retention Rate | 69.4% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $53,728 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $286 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 26.3% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 77.6% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
26.3% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 77.6% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is common in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Dakota Wesleyan University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $131,560, while the reported median debt is $27,000 with an estimated monthly payment of $286. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (80.2%), followed by Hispanic students (9.1%) and Black students (1.7%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($53,728) divided by median debt ($27,000)