DWU Shows Increased Enrollment and Strong Start

Dakota Wesleyan University reports a 3% enrollment increase for the 2026–27 academic year, reaching 917 students. Growth in online, nursing and dual credit programs comes as DWU introduces new academic offerings and campus updates.

By Julie Brookbank

Dakota Wesleyan University

September 29, 2026 1:48 pm

MITCHELL SD (Mitchell Now) Dakota Wesleyan University has posted a 3% gain in total enrollment for the 2026-27 academic year.

This year’s total headcount is 917, up from 890 in September 2025. Most categories increased including online programs, satellite nursing programs in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, certificate programs and nontraditional programs like dual credit enrollment and the Mitchell High School Bridge program.

DWU Vice President of Admissions, Marketing and Technology Fredel Thomas was very pleased to see the increase. “Everyone is working hard at Dakota Wesleyan to meet students where they are. Our partnership with the Mitchell School District, our A.S.N. nursing programs in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, and our adult and online programs, including our nationally popular Practical Church Leadership program, are great examples of how DWU is creating more educational opportunities available to students both in Mitchell and across the region.

“This is all happening alongside our traditional student success with robust pass rates and high performance in classrooms. Several new initiatives have been rolled out at DWU for the 2026-27 school year: a new Computer Information Systems program; campus-wide access to the Boodlebox AI platform; and implementation of early admission for applicants. Upcoming programs for Fall 2027 now accepting applications include Music Ministry and Music Management and Marketing. These combined efforts will help grow enrollment well into the future.”

The University has announced several exciting updates this fall including the opening of a new campus competition-level disc golf course; a newly branded food service, D-Dub’s by CF Catering in partnership with the local County Fair Food Store; a renovated music instruction and practice space; two national athletic scholarship winners; and an unprecedented number of NAIA Team Scholar award recipients across all sports.

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