Dakota Wesleyan University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
The useful surprise at Dakota Wesleyan is that a test-optional school still gives you a concrete score target for merit aid. With a 73% acceptance rate, aim beyond admission: a 1090 SAT or 24 ACT can qualify you for SDOS awards of $1,500 to $7,500.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Dakota Wesleyan University facts and stats
Dakota Wesleyan University enrolls 771 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Dakota Wesleyan has a 75% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 48%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Mitchell, SD
How do your scores compare at Dakota Wesleyan?
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key Dakota Wesleyan University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 27
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Dakota Wesleyan, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year for a retake and possible superscore gains. Dakota Wesleyan’s Regular Decision deadline is August 27, so scores for admission should be ready by then; the October retake should still arrive in time for SDOS merit consideration before the March 1 financial aid priority deadline.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Dakota Wesleyan University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Dakota Wesleyan is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $33,790, and the average merit award is $12,227. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
Dakota Wesleyan’s direct cost is about $41,890 for tuition, fees, room, and board. About 35% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $21,889. Merit aid is significant, averaging $12,227, and listed SDOS awards begin at SAT 1090+ or ACT 24+. Graduates leave with an average debt of $37,564.
Student life at Dakota Wesleyan University
45% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SDAcceptance rate: 67.8%
SAT: 1190–1348
ACT: 21–27
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SDAcceptance rate: 96.3%
SAT: 980–1180
ACT: 18–24
Dakota State University
Madison, SDAcceptance rate: 88.1%
SAT: 1180–1410
ACT: 20–27
Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, SDACT: 17–22
Ready to fit Dakota Wesleyan University's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.