Dakota State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 2,071 students.
About This School
Dakota State University is a public institution located in Madison, South Dakota with approximately 2,071 undergraduate students enrolled. Dakota State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 88%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,057 per year. The graduation rate is 51%, and the typical graduate earns $43,100 within 10 years of enrollment.
Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university in Madison, South Dakota, United States. The school was founded in 1881 as a normal school, or teacher training school. Education is still the university's heritage mission, but a signature mission of technology was added by the state legislature in 1984 to specialize in "programs in computer management, computer information systems, and other related undergraduate and graduate programs".
Worth considering if you're drawn to tech, cybersecurity, or computer science programs — DSU has a focused technology mission backed by the state legislature, and the median debt at graduation is a reasonable $14,250. That said, the numbers tell a mixed story: only 49% of students graduate, which means there's real risk of paying for college without finishing, and median earnings of $43,100 a decade out are modest. If you're self-directed and committed to the tech track, this can be a solid, affordable choice — but go in with a clear plan and don't assume the degree will carry itself.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 22% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,071 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD · Public
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD · Public
Southeast Technical College
Sioux Falls, SD · Public
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD · Public
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD · Private nonprofit
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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