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Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota — 820 N Washington Ave, 57042-1799

Annual Tuition $9,633
Enrollment 1,969
Acceptance Rate 97.9%
Median Salary $50,970

Dakota State University is a leading Public institution located in Madison, South Dakota. Established to provide high-quality education, Dakota State University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Dakota State University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Madison, South Dakota
Type Public
Total Enrollment 1,969 students
Median Salary $50,970

Dakota State University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Dakota State University
Location Madison, South Dakota
Official Website https://dsu.edu/
Address 820 N Washington Ave
Madison, SD 57042-1799
Institution Type Public
Total Students 1,969

Dakota State University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 97.9% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 1,129 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint 23 out of 36

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math 530 680
Evidence-Based Reading 490 660
ACT Math 23 midpoint
ACT English 21 midpoint

Dakota State University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $9,633
Out-of-State Tuition $12,735
Pell Grant Rate 16%
Median Debt (Completers) $23,500

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Dakota State University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $15,948/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $16,778/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $20,432/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $21,975/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $15,948 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

97.9% acceptance rate

Is Dakota State University hard to get into?

SAT score range

1,020 - 1,340

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math530 - 680
Reading490 - 660

ACT score range

20 - 26

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Dakota State University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. salary after Dakota State University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $84,653 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $117,705
2

Information Science/Studies. salary after Dakota State University

Master's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $76,460 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
3

Computer and Information Sciences, General. salary after Dakota State University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $55,964 median/yr
Median debt $23,000 at graduation
Salary/debt 243% ROI ratio
1yr: $61,287 4yr: $60,977

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Dakota State University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

97.9% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 1,969
Undergrad 1,411
Retention Rate 75.3% full-time
Full-Time Students 76.6%

Courses and Academic Programs at Dakota State University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.
Bachelor's
Graduates 216
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Master's
Graduates 122
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 118
Computer Software and Media Applications.
Bachelor's
Graduates 81
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.
Master's
Graduates 54
Special Education and Teaching.
Bachelor's
Graduates 40
Information Science/Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 39
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 39
Information Science/Studies.
Master's
Graduates 33
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 30
Showing top 10 of 45 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Dakota State University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $50,970 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $46,146
Graduation Rate 49.3% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Dakota State University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $46,146
10 Years After Entry $50,970
Is Dakota State University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $19,725
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $50,970
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 115300%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Dakota State University

Total Students 1,969
Undergrad 1,411
Graduate 558
Retention Rate 75.3% full-time

Gender Breakdown

32%
68%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 76.6%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
76.4%
Hispanic
5.2%
Black
4.1%
Two or More Races
3.5%
International
3.3%
Unknown / Unreported
2.8%
Asian
2.5%
American Indian / Alaska Native
1.8%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.5%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 27.6%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 50.6%
💍
Married Students 14%
📅
Students Age 25+ 19.1%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 50%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $52,093
Average Family Income $59,326
Median Family Income $50,856

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

66%
34%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Dakota State University

Dakota State University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 16% of students
Federal Loan Rate 36.3% of students
Avg Net Price $19,725 after aid
Median Debt $23,500 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $23,500
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $5,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $25,500

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Dakota State University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Dakota State University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 49.3%
Median Graduate Salary $50,970
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Dakota State University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Dakota State University

Frequently Asked Questions about Dakota State University

What is the acceptance rate at Dakota State University?

Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 97.9%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Dakota State University?

Tuition at Dakota State University is $9,633 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Dakota State University?

Graduates of Dakota State University earn a median salary of $50,970 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Dakota State University located?

Dakota State University is located at 820 N Washington Ave, Madison, South Dakota 57042-1799. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

  • Phone Number Available on Official Site
  • Annual Tuition $9,633

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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