DSU vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Dickinson State University in Dickinson, ND with Minot State University in Minot, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Minot State University is larger than DSU based on total student enrollment (2,751 students vs. 1,410 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson State University is located in Dickinson, ND (Remote Town setting); Minot State University is in Minot, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Dickinson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Minot State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson State University 16:1; Minot State University 11:1.

DSU vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSU or MSU? 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 Minot State University than DSU ($13,092 vs. $14,698).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minot State University are 0.4% lower than at Dickinson State University ($8,534 vs. $8,564).
• Dickinson State University is 4.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $416 more per year; $9,118.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.8% higher at DSU than at Minot State University (about $416 more per year; $9,118.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson State University than at Minot State University (92% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minot State University students is 6.2% larger than aid received by Dickinson State University students ($6,016 vs. $5,667).

DSU vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSU or MSU? 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 MSU and DSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minot State University (1040) is 40 points higher than at DSU (1000).
• Incoming MSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at DSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson State University 875/1130; Minot State University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson State University 16/21; Minot State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSU - Test-free; MSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSU Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at DSU (3.11).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (64.6%) than DSU (37%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 51.8% at DSU vs. 77.9% at MSU.

DSU vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSU and MSU? 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).

• Minot State University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Dickinson State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Dickinson State University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minot State University graduates have a $56 lower median loan debt than DSU graduates ($18,725 vs. $18,781).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DSU graduates ($193 vs. $194).
• More DSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 74%)

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.