Dakota Wesleyan University

Quick Facts

Chance of Admission:
Location: Midwest
Setting: Small Town Setting
Type: Private
Affiliation: United Methodist
Size: Small (Under 2,000 Undergrad)
School Description
Provided by Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University aspires to excellence in the liberal arts and professional programs, preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong intellectual adventure. The University affirms its relationship with the United Methodist Church and fosters diversity in an inclusive atmosphere. DWU encourages the dialogue between mind and soul, simultaneously building relationships, developing whole persons, and promoting service to God and humanity.

Dakota Wesleyan University From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a four-year university located in Mitchell, South Dakota, and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The student body averages slightly less than 800 students. It was founded in 1885.

History

In 1883, a small band of Methodist settlers meeting in Dakota Territory secured a charter to found the college that has become Dakota Wesleyan University (known as Dakota University until October 14, 1904). These pioneers were driven to "build a college of stone while living in houses of sod." These pioneers had deep religious convictions about the education and future of their children.

The founders of Dakota Wesleyan University envisioned an institution that epitomized the highest in Christian thought and deed, and so adopted the motto, “Sacrifice or Service.” This is depicted in the collegiate seal of the altar, the ox and the plow – symbols for these concepts.

By 1920, Dakota Wesleyan University was the largest independent college in the state, with an enrollment of more than 300. The Great Depression, which hit the prairie earlier, harder and longer than any region in the nation, evoked another regionally sensitive response from Dakota Wesleyan. The university accepted many students with few or no resources. Lacking adequate tuition revenues, the university and its personnel sacrificed their development and economic well-being in order to provide educational opportunities for students who had no other options. Farm produce was accepted for tuition. As part of their pay, teachers received housing in Graham Hall and coupons to purchase merchandise in town. As in earlier days, the faculty, townspeople and parishioners of the Methodist church sustained the university.

Since the 1930s the university has remained responsive to the special needs of its region. Strong programs in teacher education have provided new teachers for school districts. Nursing and allied health programs address the continuing need for health care professionals in rural South Dakota. In recognition of diverse cultures and traditions in a changing prairie environment, Wesleyan has undertaken a unique and substantial commitment to special programs focusing on Native American culture. Additionally, the university has developed programs to assist students whose previous educational experiences have inadequately prepared them for the demands of a rapidly changing region and future.

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Students & Campus Life
Undergraduate Enrollment: 751
On Campus Housing: Available
Full Time Students: 100%
Athletic Programs: Available
> More Students & Campus Life
Expenses
Average Tuition: $ 15,700
Students Receiving Aid: 89%
> More Expenses & Financial Aid
Admissions
Application Fee: $ 25
Selectivity: Selective
> More Admissions

Students

General
Full-Time vs. Part-Time
Full-Time 100%
Part-Time 0%
Men vs. Women
Men 57%
Women 43%
Race/Ethnicity
Caucasian 90%
Other 5%
African-American 4%
Hispanic 1%
Asian 0%
Geography
In State vs. Out-of-State
In-State 82%
Out-of-State 18%
Top States for Incoming Freshman
South Dakota 82%
Colorado 2%
Nebraska 2%
Minnesota 2%
Louisiana 2%
Percent of Students International: 1%

Housing

On-Campus Housing Available: Yes
Percent of Students Living On-Campus: 45%
Freshman Students Required to Live on Campus: Yes

Athletics

Member of: NAA, NAIA
Sports Include: Football (Great Plains Athletic Conference)
Basketball (Great Plains Athletic Conference)
Baseball (Great Plains Athletic Conference)
Track (Great Plains Athletic Conference)
Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) Expenses  
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads:
$ 15,700    
Financial Aid Avg. Amount Received % of Students Receiving Aid  
Federal Grants:
$ 2,839 46%  
State and Local Grants:
$ 1,000 6%  
Any Aid:
  89%  

Selectivity (Undergraduate Only)

Acceptance Rate: 74% (Selective)
Test Scores  
SAT Scores:  
% of Students Submitting SAT Scores: 1%
Bottom 25th Percentile: Verbal: 440, Math: 480
Top 75th Percentile: Verbal: 560, Math: 540
ACT Scores:  
% of Students Submitting ACT Scores: 95%
Bottom 25th Percentile: Composite: 17, Verbal: 17, Math: 18
Top 75th Percentile: Composite: 23, Verbal: 23, Math: 23

Application Requirements (Undergraduate Only)

Application Fee: $ 25.00
Formal Demonstration of Competencies: Not Required
High School Diploma or Equivalent: Not Required
High School GPA: Required
High School Rank: Required
High School Record: Required
Recommendations: Not Required
TOEFL: Required
Test Scores: Required