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Head-to-head comparison

University of South Dakota vs Dakota Wesleyan University: which has better ROI?

Public, Vermillion SD · vs · Private nonprofit, Mitchell SD

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Vermillion, SD

University of South Dakota

Net price / year
$19,858
Earnings, 10 years
$51,926
Payback
22.3 yrs

Option B Mitchell, SD

Dakota Wesleyan University

Net price / year
$19,735
Earnings, 10 years
$53,728
Payback
14.7 yrs
The verdict

Dakota Wesleyan University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,940 in 14.7 years versus 22.3 years at University of South Dakota, on median earnings of $53,728 vs $51,926 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of South DakotaDakota Wesleyan University
Net price / yr$19,858$19,735
Total net cost$79,432$78,940
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,926$53,728
Median debt$23,592$27,000
Payback22.3 yrs14.7 yrs
20-year net return-$8,112$28,420

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of South Dakota or Dakota Wesleyan University?

Dakota Wesleyan University, at $19,735 a year after aid versus $19,858 — a gap of $123 a year, or $492 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of South Dakota or Dakota Wesleyan University graduates earn more?

Dakota Wesleyan University graduates report a median $53,728 ten years after entry, $1,802 more than the $51,926 at University of South Dakota. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of South Dakota or Dakota Wesleyan University?

University of South Dakota: its completers carry a median $23,592 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Dakota Wesleyan University, a difference of $3,408. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

60% of students finish at University of South Dakota, against 48% at Dakota Wesleyan University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of South Dakota vs Dakota Wesleyan University: frequently asked questions

Is University of South Dakota or Dakota Wesleyan University a better value?
Dakota Wesleyan University. It clears its $78,940 net cost in about 14.7 years versus 22.3 years at University of South Dakota, on median earnings of $53,728 vs $51,926 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of South Dakota or Dakota Wesleyan University?
Dakota Wesleyan University: $19,735/yr net price after aid versus $19,858/yr at University of South Dakota — a difference of $123 a year, or about $492 over four years.
Do University of South Dakota or Dakota Wesleyan University graduates earn more?
Dakota Wesleyan University graduates earn a median $53,728 ten years after entry, versus $51,926 at University of South Dakota — a $1,802 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.