DSU vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Dickinson State University in Dickinson, ND with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than DSU based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 1,410 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson State University is located in Dickinson, ND (Remote Town setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• Dickinson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson State University 16:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

DSU vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSU or NDSU? 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 Dickinson State University than NDSU ($14,698 vs. $15,596).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson State University are 13.7% lower than at North Dakota State University Main Campus ($8,564 vs. $9,928).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 21.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSU (about $1,992 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $9,118.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.9% higher at NDSU than at Dickinson State University (about $6,646 more per year; $15,764.00 vs. $9,118.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dickinson State University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (92% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students is 13.1% larger than aid received by Dickinson State University students ($6,409 vs. $5,667).

DSU vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Dakota State University Main Campus (1090) is 90 points higher than at DSU (1000).
• Incoming NDSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at DSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson State University 875/1130; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson State University 16/21; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSU - Test-free; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at DSU (3.11).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than DSU (37%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 51.8% at DSU vs. 32% at NDSU.

DSU vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSU and NDSU? 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).

• North Dakota State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Dickinson State University's (26%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than DSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson State University graduates have a $4,519 lower median loan debt than NDSU graduates ($18,781 vs. $23,300).
• Among borrowers, DSU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NDSU graduates ($194 vs. $240).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DSU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 77%)

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.