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, located in Madison, South Dakota, occupies a 77-acre campus in a rural setting 50 miles northwest of Sioux Falls. Established in 1881 as a teacher training institution, DSU has evolved into a technology-focused university recognized for its cybersecurity, computer science, and information systems programs. The campus features a mix of historic buildings, including Beadle Hall which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, alongside modern academic facilities and technology centers. DSU operates as a laptop university where all students receive devices configured for their specific majors, and the institution maintains strong connections with federal agencies and technology companies for research and employment opportunities. Residential students are housed in five campus dormitories, and the university competes in NAIA athletics as the Trojans.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Dakota State is rated within the lower 39% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Dakota State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#813 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#301 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 | 1020/1340 |
| ACT | 20/26 |
| 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 | $8,990 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,286 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,109 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $2,017 |
| Room and Board | $8,990 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,286 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,211 |
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% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Dakota State are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
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, 2025