Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Dickinson State University logo

Dickinson State University

Dickinson, ND·Public·1,108 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and in-state North Dakota residents. freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 1,108 students.

60%
Accept
1,108
Students
$15,270
Net Price
43%
Grad Rate
$49,300
Earnings
10 yr
$11,960
Debt

About This School

Dickinson State University is a public institution located in Dickinson, North Dakota with approximately 1,108 undergraduate students enrolled. Dickinson State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 60%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,270 per year. The graduation rate is 43%, and the typical graduate earns $49,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Dickinson State University (DSU) is a public university in Dickinson, North Dakota, United States. It is part of the North Dakota University System. It was founded in 1918 as Dickinson State Normal School and granted full university status in 1987.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — at just $15,270/year net price and only $11,960 in median debt at graduation, DSU is genuinely affordable, and graduates earning a median $49,300 after 10 years suggests a decent return on that modest investment. The real concern is the 43% graduation rate and 60% freshman retention rate, meaning fewer than half of students who start here actually finish — worth asking hard questions about support resources and whether the campus environment is a good fit before committing. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and drawn to a small, rural setting, but go in with a clear plan to be one of the students who makes it through.

Founded
1918
Setting
Remote town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing33%
Health Professions15%
Education10%
Psychology5%
Biological Sciences3%
Computer Science3%
Communications2%
Social Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Solo SikoaDerrick AtkinsRamon MillerTrevor Barry

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite19

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,118
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,218
Avg Net Price
$15,270
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants22%
Median debt at graduation$11,960

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
43%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
60%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,960
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,960
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$42,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White77%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,108 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Dickinson State University

291 Campus Drive

Dickinson, ND 58601-4896

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Dakota

Browse all North Dakota schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

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.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • 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.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.