At $19,300/yr net price, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates earn $53,728/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,728/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,300 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,728/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,728/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,366/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,704/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,457/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,297/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,215/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,603 | $24,855 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,512 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,123 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $37,568 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,416 | |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $34,526 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,019 |
The Risk Factor
46.4% of students at Dakota Wesleyan University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Dakota Wesleyan University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. Business graduates earn $63,005 annually while education majors start at just $42,123, creating a $20,000 annual income gap that compounds over your career.
Nursing provides the strongest value proposition at this school. With graduates earning around $55,000-$57,000 annually and carrying only $24,855 in debt, you'll have manageable loan payments relative to your starting salary. Business majors also see solid returns, though debt levels vary significantly by specialization.
Education and criminal justice majors face serious financial challenges here. Teachers starting at $42,123 and criminal justice graduates at $39,369 will struggle to justify the $27,000 median debt load, particularly given South Dakota's lower salary scales in these fields.
The school's 46% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. If you don't complete your degree, you'll carry debt without the earning power to justify it. The 69% retention rate suggests many students realize this isn't the right fit after freshman year.
You should consider Dakota Wesleyan if you're pursuing nursing or business and can afford the $19,300 annual net price without excessive borrowing. The school works best for students who have clear career goals in higher-paying fields and strong academic preparation to beat the graduation odds.
Skip this school if you're considering education or criminal justice, lack clear career direction, or need significant financial aid. Only 26% of students receive aid, limiting options for families who can't pay the sticker price. Regional alternatives may offer better value for lower-earning majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dakota Wesleyan University worth the cost?
Dakota Wesleyan University offers mixed value with a net price of $19,300 and graduates earning $53,728 after 10 years. The low 46% graduation rate is concerning, but graduates who finish typically manage their $27,000 median debt load reasonably well.
What are the best paying majors at Dakota Wesleyan University?
Business programs lead with graduates earning $63,005 annually, followed by nursing at around $57,000. Education and criminal justice majors earn significantly less at $42,000 and $39,000 respectively.
How much debt do Dakota Wesleyan University graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the typical starting salaries. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, meaning many accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Dakota Wesleyan University have a good graduation rate?
No, only 46% of students graduate from Dakota Wesleyan University. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor for prospective students, as those who don't finish still face student loan payments without the degree benefits.