Dakota State vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Dakota State University in Madison, SD with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota State University is larger than Dakota State based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 3,774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dakota State University is located in Madison, SD (Distant Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dakota State University 18:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Dakota State vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dakota State or South Dakota State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at South Dakota State University than Dakota State ($19,932 vs. $20,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota State University are 4.3% lower than at South Dakota State University ($9,742 vs. $10,176).
• Dakota State University is 3.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $355 more per year; $9,654.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at South Dakota State University than at Dakota State University (about $53 more per year; $12,809.00 vs. $12,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Dakota State University (94% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dakota State University students is 20% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($5,371 vs. $4,474).

Dakota State vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dakota State or South Dakota State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between South Dakota State University and Dakota State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dakota State University (1320) is 170 points higher than at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Incoming Dakota State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota State University 1190/1440; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dakota State University 20/27; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dakota State - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Dakota State (3.33).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Dakota State (88%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at Dakota State vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Dakota State vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dakota State and South Dakota State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Dakota State University's (34%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Dakota State graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota State University graduates have a $1,616 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, Dakota State graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($242 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota State students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 67%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.