Dakota Wesleyan University vs Mount Marty University
Mount Marty University is selective with a 48.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Dakota Wesleyan University (72.8%). Graduates of Dakota Wesleyan University earn $5,549 more per year at the 10-year mark ($53,728 vs $48,179). For families earning $48k–$75k, Dakota Wesleyan University is more affordable at $17,457 net price vs $25,226.
Admissions & Outcomes
Mount Marty University has a higher yield rate (26.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Mitchell, SD
Yankton, 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 $25,145.
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. Dakota Wesleyan University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (26%), 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
Mount Marty University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$56,641
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas$41,937
- 3 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$41,565
- 4 Accounting and Related Services$39,909
- 5 Criminal Justice and Corrections$39,729
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
Mount Marty University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Criminal Justice and Corrections
- 4 Social Sciences, General
- 5 Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
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
Mount Marty University
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$26,926
- Est. total cost/year$37,482
- 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 Mount Marty University?
Mount Marty University is more selective with a 48.1% acceptance rate, compared to 72.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Dakota Wesleyan University or Mount Marty University?
Dakota Wesleyan University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $53,728 compared to $48,179. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Dakota Wesleyan University or Mount Marty University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Dakota Wesleyan University has a lower net price at $17,457 per year vs $25,226. 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 Mount Marty University?
Mount Marty University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 60.6%, 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 Mount Marty University?
Mount Marty University has a larger international student population at 3% 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 Mount Marty University?
At Dakota Wesleyan University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $57,603 within two years. At Mount Marty University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,641. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.