Dakota Wesleyan University vs University of Sioux Falls
Dakota Wesleyan University is moderately selective with a 72.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Sioux Falls (82.1%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $54,521. For families earning $48k–$75k, Dakota Wesleyan University is more affordable at $17,457 net price vs $18,201. Students at University of Sioux Falls graduate with less debt ($23,249 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Dakota Wesleyan University has a higher yield rate (21.9%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Mitchell, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Dakota Wesleyan University is more affordable at $14,366 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $21,215 vs $23,609.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of Sioux Falls enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (29%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Dakota Wesleyan University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$57,603
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$42,123
- 3 Criminal Justice and Corrections$39,369
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$35,416
- 5 Human Services, General$34,526
University of Sioux Falls
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$58,173
- 2 Accounting and Related Services$47,513
- 3 Human Resources Management and Services$44,021
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$37,208
- 5 Business Administration, Management and Operations$36,221
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Dakota Wesleyan University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Biology, General
University of Sioux Falls
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Dakota Wesleyan University
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$28,700
- Est. total cost/year$37,120
- School typePublic
University of Sioux Falls
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$19,170
- Est. total cost/year$27,290
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Dakota Wesleyan University or University of Sioux Falls?
Dakota Wesleyan University is more selective with a 72.8% acceptance rate, compared to 82.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Dakota Wesleyan University or University of Sioux Falls?
University of Sioux Falls graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $54,521 compared to $53,728. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Dakota Wesleyan University or University of Sioux Falls?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Dakota Wesleyan University has a lower net price at $17,457 per year vs $18,201. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Dakota Wesleyan University vs University of Sioux Falls?
University of Sioux Falls has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 60.5%, compared to 46.4%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Dakota Wesleyan University or University of Sioux Falls?
Dakota Wesleyan University has a larger international student population at 2% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Dakota Wesleyan University and University of Sioux Falls?
At Dakota Wesleyan University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $57,603 within two years. At University of Sioux Falls, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,173. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.