Dakota State University
About Dakota State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Dakota State University is a public technology-focused university in Madison, South Dakota. It is known for its cybersecurity, computer science, and information systems programs, with a growing national reputation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Founded
1881
Location
Madison, South Dakota
Students
2,779
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
88.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
51.3%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,654
Out-of-state: $12,756
Avg Net Price
$21,057
After financial aid
SAT Average
1215
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$50,970
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$20
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Dakota State University accepts the majority of applicants at 88.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1215/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
51.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.5%
4-Year Grad
28%
6-Year Grad
45%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
75.2%
$/Student
$8.8K
Class Size
Medium
The 28% graduation rate is below average, but 75.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,654
In-State
$12,756
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,742
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,753
After Financial Aid
$21,057
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$17,317
Receive Grants
16.8%
Take Loans
34%
The total cost of attendance runs about $25,753/yr, including $9,742 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $21,057.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Dakota State University fund their education.
While in School
16.8%
Get Grants
Free money
34%
Take Loans
Must repay
$50,856
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$249/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 34% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Dakota State University.
Gender
35.7%
Female
64%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,071
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
708
Graduates
27.6%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
19.1%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 64% of the student body. 27.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 6.4% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
2,071
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Dakota State University fields 8 varsity teams with 483 student athletes, about 23% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
North Star
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
483
23% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
72% / 28%
346
Men
137
Women
6
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Dakota State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$50,970
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
$58K
119 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$61K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Software and Media Applications
$26K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
Information Science/Studies
$64K
19 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$41K
19 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$47K
17 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $51K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dakota State University
What is the acceptance rate at Dakota State University?▾
How much does Dakota State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Dakota State University?▾
How much do Dakota State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.