Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota Wesleyan University vs University of South Dakota
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 4 wins for Dakota Wesleyan University, 2 for University of South Dakota — Dakota Wesleyan University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Dakota Wesleyan University | University of South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.81 ✓ | 6.54 |
| Avg net price | $19,735 ✓ | $19,858 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,728 ✓ | $51,926 |
| Acceptance rate | 73.4% ✓ | 98.8% |
| Graduation rate | 48.3% | 59.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $23,592 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 670 | 5,439 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1125 |
| Wins | 4 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Dakota costs $123 more per year than Dakota Wesleyan University ($19,858 vs $19,735). Dakota Wesleyan University graduates report $1,802 higher median earnings after ten years ($53,728 vs $51,926). On EduGradify's model that puts Dakota Wesleyan University ahead on projected ROI (6.81 vs 6.54, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Dakota Wesleyan University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Dakota Wesleyan University is accessible at 73.4% acceptance versus 98.8% (accessible) at University of South Dakota.
Frequently asked
Dakota Wesleyan University vs University of South Dakota, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dakota Wesleyan University or University of South Dakota the better value?
Dakota Wesleyan University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.81 vs 6.54), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Dakota Wesleyan University is cheaper — average net price $19,735 per year vs $19,858 at University of South Dakota. The annual difference of $123 adds up to about $492 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Dakota Wesleyan University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $53,728 vs $51,926 at University of South Dakota. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,802.
Which school is harder to get into?
Dakota Wesleyan University is more selective at 73.4% acceptance vs 98.8% at University of South Dakota.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Dakota Wesleyan University reports a C value grade; University of South Dakota reports C.