South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs Dakota Wesleyan University: which has better ROI?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $80,732 in 3.4 years versus 14.7 years at Dakota Wesleyan University, on median earnings of $72,257 vs $53,728 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Dakota Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,183 | $19,735 |
| Total net cost | $80,732 | $78,940 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $72,257 | $53,728 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 14.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $397,208 | $28,420 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or Dakota Wesleyan University?
Dakota Wesleyan University, at $19,735 a year after aid versus $20,183 — a gap of $448 a year, or $1,792 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or Dakota Wesleyan University graduates earn more?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates report a median $72,257 ten years after entry, $18,529 more than the $53,728 at Dakota Wesleyan University. 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.
Which leaves students with less debt, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or Dakota Wesleyan University?
Completers at both borrow a median $27,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 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.