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Dakota State University

Dakota State

Madison, South Dakota 57042-1799

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Campus Vibe

Small & IntimateRuralPublic

Known for computer science

Dakota State University is a public town institution in Madison, South Dakota. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1129.

A small campus of 2K undergraduates with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

49% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $50,970 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,725.

Established
1890
Mascot
Thundar
Type
Public land-grant research university
Conference
Division II North Central Conference (NCC)
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

178 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Visit
98%Acceptance
1129SAT Avg
1,969Students
19:1Student:Faculty
49%Grad Rate
$50,970Earnings 10yr
$19,725Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Dakota State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate97.9%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1129

Reading & WritingMid: 570
490660
MathMid: 553
530680

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 23
2026

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

97.9%

Trend

SAT Avg

1129

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,633
Tuition (out-of-state)$12,735
Room & Board$8,990
Books & Supplies$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance$24,447
Average Net Price$19,725
Median Debt at Graduation$23,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$249

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$15,948
$30–48K$16,778
$48–75K$20,432
$75–110K$21,975
$110K+$21,121

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$19,725

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

63.7%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$14,250

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

14

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus security, emergency notification system

Programs (53)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
1,969
Gender Split
32% / 68%
Women / Men
First Generation
28%
Pell Grant Recipients
16%

Race & Ethnicity

White 76%
Black 4%
Hispanic 5%
Asian 2%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 3%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate49.3%
Freshman Retention75.3%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$46,146
8 Years$46,966
10 Years$50,970

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$34,900
Men
$50,800

Rankings

U.S. News
#231
Forbes
#275
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#147

More About This School

Varsity Sports — North Dakota

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

112Above Average

Housing and food costs are higher than national average

Climate (School Year)

68°
Sep
55°
Oct
42°
Nov
30°
Dec
25°
Jan
28°
Feb
38°
Mar
50°
Apr
62°
May
Snowfall: 48"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 120

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675,647
90 miles(95 min)
Hartfordpop. 121,054
60 miles(70 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Dakota State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications

Dakota State University — v2 Preview — TourStack