Campus Vibe
Tight-knitCollege town
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
Admissions
Acceptance Rate97.9%
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1129
Reading & WritingMid: 570
490660
MathMid: 553
530680
ACT Score Range
CompositeMid: 23
2026
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
6400.0%
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 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
More About This School
Varsity Sports — North Dakota
Rankings
History & Fun Facts
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
90Average
Estimated from SD state average
Climate (School Year)
Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125
Nearest Cities
Minneapolispop. 430K
201 mi(348 min)
Kansas Citypop. 500K
364 mi(631 min)
Milwaukeepop. 570K
466 mi(808 min)