Dakota State University

5/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Madison, SD
4.3 7 reviews

#4 Best Public Universities in South Dakota

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

3,774

Location Madison, South Dakota
Website dsu.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Distant Town

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
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.

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Ratings

Dakota State is rated within the lower 43% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

Overall Rating

5 out of 10
Academics

8 out of 10
Resources

3 out of 10
Outcomes

4 out of 10
Value

2 out of 10

Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for Dakota State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#718
Best Public Colleges in the U.S.

#245
Best Colleges in South Dakota

#5
Best Public Colleges in South Dakota

#4
Best Value Colleges in South Dakota

#4

Learn how rankings are calculated

Admissions

Admission Standards

Difficult

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1190/1440
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 20/27
GPA 3.33

Acceptance Rate

88%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 18%
Application Fee $20

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

South Dakota Resident Tuition

$9,654

Out of State Resident Tuition

$12,756

Breakdown

Tuition $9,654
Books and Supplies $1,000
Other Fees $2,038
Room and Board $9,742
Budget for Other Expenses $6,377
Total One Year Cost $28,811

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$42,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

34% within 6 years

View Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Dakota State University are Computer and Information Sciences, Business, and Education. 28% of students major in Computer and Information Sciences, 25% in Business, and 22% in Education.