Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Madison, South Dakota |
| Online | dsu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Dakota State University, established in 1881, is a public university situated in Madison, South Dakota, approximately 60 miles northwest of Sioux Falls. Acclaimed for its commitment to utilizing technology and innovation in education, DSU offers a distinctive academic profile with a focus on computer management, computer information systems, and other related undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus environment interweaves classic architecture with modern, high-tech facilities, providing a harmonious blend of history and innovation. Dakota State University extends on-campus housing options to its student body, fostering an inclusive living and learning atmosphere. With a less selective admissions process, DSU opens opportunities for a broad range of students while maintaining a commitment to educational rigor. The university's athletic teams, known as the Trojans, participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), though athletics are not the central focus of the institution's identity.
In the most recent statistical year 882 prospective students applied, and 696 were granted admission. Of those admitted 372 enrolled in the school. 1,490 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,751 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $7,616 plus fees of $2,017. Dakota State is ranked 808 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Dakota State is rated within the lower 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Dakota State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#808 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#297 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in South Dakota
#4 in Best Public Colleges in South Dakota
#6 in Best Value Colleges in South Dakota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 940/1240 |
| ACT | 19/27 |
| GPA | 3.33 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $20 |
Annual Cost to Attend
South Dakota Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $2,017 |
| Room and Board | $8,018 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,886 |
| Total One Year Cost | $24,737 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $2,017 |
| Room and Board | $8,018 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,886 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,839 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 28% |
| Business | 25% |
| Education | 22% |
| Health Professions | 14% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 3% |
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Students considering Dakota State are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Dakota State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219082 IPEDS survey data for Dakota State University.
Current students may use the Dakota State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024