University of South Dakota vs Dakota Wesleyan University: which has better ROI?
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.)
| Measure | University of South Dakota | Dakota 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 |
| Payback | 22.3 yrs | 14.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$8,112 | $28,420 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
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.
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.
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.
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.