Academic Comparison between USD and Dakota Wesleyan

University of South Dakota and Dakota Wesleyan University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. USD is a four-year, public school located in Vermillion, SD and Dakota Wesleyan is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Mitchell, SD.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of South Dakotavs.Dakota Wesleyan University
Vermillion, South DakotaLocationMitchell, South Dakota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$9,432
Out-Of-State$12,942
2025 Tuition & Fees$33,790
55%% Receiving Financial Aid79%
$6,716Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,498
98.78 %Acceptance Rates73.38 %
24.07 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.98 %
1,205SAT Score-
22ACT Score-
60 %Graduation Rate48 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
79 %Retention Rate75 %
10,619Student Population892
414Number of Faculties45
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services