DWU FAQs

One of the Best Colleges in SD

Dakota Wesleyan University is one of the best colleges in South Dakota because of the transformational learning experience, academic excellence with leadership, faith, and service. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention and innovative programs rooted in our Christian heritage.

DWU Frequenty Asked Questions

What Christian colleges are there in South Dakota?

Christian colleges in South Dakota include Dakota Wesleyan University (United Methodist), Augustana University (Lutheran), University of Sioux Falls (American Baptist), and Mt. Marty (Catholic).

What are the best colleges in South Dakota?

Dakota Wesleyan University

What are the private colleges in South Dakota?

Private colleges in South Dakota include Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, Augustana University in Sioux Falls, University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, and Mount Marty in Yankton.

What is Dakota Wesleyan known for?

DWU is known for its transformative learning experience that blends academic excellence with leadership, faith, and service. We pride ourselves on our 12:1 student-faculty ratio, which ensures personalized attention and innovative programs rooted in our christian heritage. DWU plays basketball in the World’s Only Corn Palace.

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a private Methodist university in Mitchell, South Dakota. 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.

What is the cost to attend Dakota Wesleyan?

Tuition: $33,100
Student Services and Activities: $640
Technology Fee: $800
Living Expenses: $8,500
Total*: $43,040

*These costs are based on 12-16 credit hours per semester and average living expenses. Actual fees may vary.

For more details, contact our Financial Aid office: Email: finaid@dwu.edu. Phone: (605) 995-2656.

What notable alumni went to Dakota Wesleyan?

Clinton Presba Anderson, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, former U.S. Senator and U.S. Congressman from New Mexico ^[5]
Jonathan Bane, American football player^[6]
Gordon Binkerd, American composer^[7]
Kay Brown, Minnesota state legislator^[8]
Harlan J. Bushfield, 16th Governor of South Dakota and United States senator ^[9]
Francis Case, former U.S. Congressman from South Dakota ^[10]
Freda DeKnight, food editor for Ebony Magazine and cookbook author^[11]
Stanley Hallett, American urban planner and neighborhood advocate
Oscar Howe, Yanktoni Dakota artist
Ben Jukich, professional baseball pitcher^[12]^[13]^[14]
Lois Kingsbery Mayes, newspaper publisher and Florida clubwoman
George McGovern, former U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator, and Democratic Party presidential candidate
Ed Meierkort, former head coach of the South Dakota Coyotes football team
George Theodore Mickelson, former Governor of South Dakota
Ralph Siewert, former NBA player

How do I apply to Dakota Wesleyan University?

Apply online at www.dwu.edu/apply-for-free

Here's what you'll need:

Complete the free online application
Submit high school transcripts
Maintain a 2.0 GPA
No ACT/SAT scores required

The process takes 15-20 minutes, and acceptance decisions are typically made within one week.

When is the application due to Dakota Wesleyan University due?

Great news! DWU doesn't have a strict application deadline. Students can apply year-round, and we process applications within one week.

Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores to Dakota Wesleyan University?

No, you do not need to submit an ACT or SAT score! We're test-optional, which means:

ACT/SAT scores are not required
You can apply without test scores
DWU focuses on your 2.0 GPA and overall application

What GPA do I need to get into Dakota Wesleyan University?

You'll need a 2.0 GPA for undergraduate admission.

Are there scholarships I can apply for at Dakota Wesleyan University?

Absolutely! Every full-time undergraduate receives financial assistance. Automatic academic scholarships, potential federal/state grants, and student loans help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. We offer amazing scholarship opportunities that are given automatically based on your GPA. First-time freshmen can even earn up to $100,000 over four years at our competitive scholarship days. See all the scholarships here:

Scholarships based on:

Academic performance
Cocurricular activities and all kinds of other stuff

How do I apply for financial aid at Dakota Wesleyan University?

Every full-time undergraduate receives financial assistance. Automatic academic scholarships, potential federal/state grants, and student loans help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. To apply for financial aid:

Complete the FAFSA online
Priority deadline is February 1
Application opens October 1

For more details, contact our Financial Aid office: Email: finaid@dwu.edu Phone: (605) 995-2656

What’s your FAFSA code at Dakota Wesleyan University?

DWU’s FAFSA code is 003467.

What makes Dakota Wesleyan University different from others?

What makes DWU unique:

12:1 student-faculty ratio (You are more than just a number!)
Personalized education
Strong focus on leadership, faith, and service
Innovative programs
Tight-knit community with a little over 900 total students
30+ student clubs
18 intercollegiate teams

What type of student usually does well at Dakota Wesleyan University?

Students who thrive at DWU are:

Intellectually curious
Service-oriented
Eager for personal growth
Interested in leadership
Comfortable with small class sizes
Passionate about community involvement
Open to faith exploration

What’s campus life really like at Dakota Wesleyan University?

Campus life is vibrant and engaging yet can be quiet and peaceful.

There is always something to do:

30+ student clubs
18 intercollegiate athletic teams
Strong focus on community
Opportunities for leadership
Service-oriented activities
Faith-based connections
Located in Mitchell, SD

What clubs, sports, or student groups do you have at Dakota Wesleyan University?

We have an awesome variety of clubs and groups:

Athletic Training Club
CHAOS (Science Club)
Future Teachers
Math Club
Psychology Club
Student Diversity Council
Student Nurses Association
Student Ministry Council
DWU Choir
Wesleyan Band

Plus 18 intercollegiate athletic teams!

What are your most popular majors at Dakota Wesleyan University?

We offer a diverse range of majors, including:

Business (Management, Marketing, Finance)
Nursing
Education
Sciences
Criminal Justice
Digital Media
Exercise Science
Psychology

Explore more at https://www.dwu.edu/academics

What tutoring or academic help is available at Dakota Wesleyan University?

DWU offers free peer tutoring through our Academic Success and Career Services Center located in McGovern Library. Our support includes:

Study groups
Academic workshops
Personalized tutoring

Are classes taught by professors or Teaching Assistants (TAs) at Dakota Wesleyan University?

No, DWU classes are all taught directly by professors ensuring high-qualify instruction with a personalized 12:1 student to faculty ratio.

How big are the classes at Dakota Wesleyan University?

DWU classes are intentionally small, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This means you'll get personalized attention and have the opportunity to really engage with your professors.

How do I schedule a tour to Dakota Wesleyan University?

DWU offers three tour options: individual campus tours, group visit events, and virtual tours. You can easily schedule your visit at dwu.edu/visit. Choose the option that works best for you!

Can I do a virtual visit or info session at Dakota Wesleyan University?

Absolutely! We offer virtual campus tours that you can access at dwu.edu/virtual-visit. You can schedule individual or group virtual tours to explore our campus online.

What’s something awesome about Dakota Wesleyan University that most people don’t know?

DWU students design the murals on the World Only Corn Palace. DWU is home to the only public Saint John’s Bible in South Dakota. DWU is home to the only collegiate handbell choir. DWU gives esports scholarships. DWU has a DNA sequencer. DWU cancels class once per year for its annual campus-wide service day that showcases our commitment to service.

Can you tell me which school is better—Dakota Wesleyan University or Mt. Marty?

Is the Dakota Wesleyan University campus safe?

Safety is a top priority for us. We have comprehensive security measures including:

Locked residence halls
Security cameras
Nightly RA duty
Key/fob access systems
Emergency notification protocols

What kind of jobs do students get after graduating from Dakota Wesleyan University?

Our graduates are incredibly successful! We have a 96% employment or graduate school placement rate. Highlights include:

Nursing: 100% job placement
Education: 100% employed or in grad school
Business: Jobs in banks, tech firms, and telecommunications

Does Dakota Wesleyan University help students find internships?

DWU’s Academic and Career Services Center provides comprehensive internship support. We offer:

Job postings
Resume assistance
Career advising
Networking platforms

Does Dakota Wesleyan University have esports and what games do they play?

DWU offers collegiate esports. DWU plays the following games: Overwatch, League of Legends, Rocket League, Fortnite, Call of Duty, Halo, Apex, Valorant, Rainbow Six, Battlefield

Is Dakota Wesleyan D1 in athletics?

DWU is a proud member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), Dakota Wesleyan University contends with other NAIA Division I schools.