UO vs. Dakota State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Oregon in Eugene, OR with Dakota State University in Madison, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Oregon is larger than Dakota State based on total student enrollment (24,404 students vs. 3,774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Oregon is located in Eugene, OR (Midsize City setting); Dakota State University is in Madison, SD (Distant Town setting).
• University of Oregon is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Oregon 19:1; Dakota State University 18:1.

UO vs. Dakota State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UO or Dakota State? 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 Dakota State University than UO ($20,438 vs. $24,605).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota State University are 41.4% lower than at University of Oregon ($9,742 vs. $16,611).
• University of Oregon is 67.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota State (about $6,483 more per year; $16,137.00 vs. $9,654.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 249.6% higher at UO than at Dakota State University (about $31,842 more per year; $44,598.00 vs. $12,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dakota State University than at University of Oregon (88% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Oregon students is 78% larger than aid received by Dakota State University students ($9,560 vs. $5,371).

UO vs. Dakota State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UO or Dakota State? 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 Dakota State and UO.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dakota State University (1320) is 70 points higher than at UO (1250).
• Incoming UO students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Dakota State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Oregon 1130/1360; Dakota State University 1190/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Oregon 23/30; Dakota State University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UO - Test optional; Dakota State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UO Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UO students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Dakota State (3.33).
• UO has a higher acceptance rate (88.3%) than Dakota State (88%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at UO vs. 18% at Dakota State.

UO vs. Dakota State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UO and Dakota State? 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).

• University of Oregon's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Dakota State University's (34%).
• Graduates from University of Oregon earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Dakota State graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Oregon graduates have a $2,399 lower median loan debt than Dakota State graduates ($21,101 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, UO graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dakota State graduates ($218 vs. $242).
• More Dakota State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UO students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 62%)

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.