Dakota State University: 78.9% Acceptance Rate

78.9%Acceptance

$9,633Tuition

1,969Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,970Earnings

#11 in South DakotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Dakota State University

Dakota State University has carved out a distinctive niche as South Dakota's technology powerhouse. The 1,969-student campus specializes in cybersecurity and digital programs that attract tech-minded students to Madison, a small town about an hour from Sioux Falls. With a 79% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1090, DSU welcomes motivated students ready to dive into hands-on tech training. The university's reputation centers on producing job-ready graduates in high-demand fields like information systems and computer science.

Students pay an average net price of $19,725 annually, which proves reasonable given the career outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $50,970 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $23,500. The numbers work in students' favor, with a 98% employment rate showing that DSU's tech focus translates into real job prospects. Monthly loan payments average $249, manageable against those starting salaries.

The student body skews heavily male at 68%, reflecting the tech-heavy curriculum. With 430 athletes competing in 14 NAIA sports, the Trojans maintain a strong athletic presence despite the school's technical focus. About 62% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community where the 19:1 student-faculty ratio enables personalized attention in specialized programs.

Academics & Faculty

Dakota State University has built its reputation as South Dakota's technology center, specializing in cybersecurity and digital forensics programs that attract students nationwide. The university pioneered cyber operations education and houses one of the few NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence in the region. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, students get solid access to professors in these competitive tech fields. The 49% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of STEM coursework, though graduates command strong starting salaries. Computer science and information systems dominate the curriculum, while newer programs in data science and artificial intelligence keep pace with industry demands. This focus creates a campus culture where coding competitions and hackathons are as common as traditional college activities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 49.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 49.3%
Retention Rate: 75.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,970
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Master	$84,653
Information Science/Studies.	Master	$76,460
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$55,964
Information Science/Studies.	Bachelor	$55,964
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Bachelor	$51,035
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$46,087
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$42,682
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Bachelor	$41,205
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$39,369
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$39,153

View all 53 programs →

Campus Life

Madison sits in rural eastern South Dakota, about 50 miles from Sioux Falls, the state's largest city. With housing capacity for 895 students and total enrollment of 1,969, roughly 45% of students live on campus in this tight-knit community. Winters here are serious business - temperatures regularly drop below zero, so heavy coats and snow boots are essential gear from November through March.

The 68% male student body reflects Dakota State's reputation as a tech powerhouse, particularly known for cybersecurity and computer science programs. Students often gather in the computer labs working on coding projects or competing in cybersecurity competitions that the university has become famous for. With 14 varsity sports and 430 total athletes competing at the NAIA level, Trojans games provide weekend entertainment, especially during basketball season. The small-town setting means students create their own fun - gaming tournaments, study groups, and trips to Sioux Falls for shopping or dining are common weekend activities. The 75% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to the focused, tech-oriented campus culture.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 895 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1881

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	1	0	0
Rape	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 4°–24°F
July Avg: 60°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 25.8"
Annual Snowfall: 36.1"

Student Demographics

Dakota State draws students who want hands-on tech training without the big university price tag. The student body is 68% male, reflecting the school's strength in cybersecurity and computer science programs. Most students come from South Dakota and surrounding states, giving the campus a Midwest feel where everyone knows each other. Only 16% receive Pell Grants, suggesting families see value in DSU's career-focused approach. Students here are practical-minded, choosing a school known for job placement over prestige. The tech industry's gender gap shows up clearly in these hallways.

Men: 68.0%
Women: 32.0%
White: 76.4%
Black: 4.1%
Hispanic: 5.2%
Asian: 2.5%
In-State Students: 62.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 16.0%

Location

Madison sits in eastern South Dakota, about 50 miles northwest of Sioux Falls, the state's largest city. The town of 6,200 residents centers around Dakota State University and Lake Herman State Park. This rural college community offers small-town charm with outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, hiking, and camping at the nearby lake. The campus houses 895 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit atmosphere where 62% of the 1,969 enrolled students come from in-state. Madison's location provides easy access to both Twin Cities metro area (four hours north) and Omaha (three hours south) for internships and job opportunities. Students considering colleges in South Dakota may also compare Dakota State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Madison, South Dakota 57042-1799

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,970
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,541
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $249/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Dakota State University?

Dakota State University accepts 78.91% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 1090, while students typically score between 940-1240. This public tech-focused university draws students primarily interested in cybersecurity and technology programs.

How much does Dakota State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Dakota State University is $19,725 per year. In-state students pay $9,633 in tuition while out-of-state students pay $12,735. Students typically graduate with $23,500 in debt and make monthly loan payments of $249.

What are Dakota State University's strongest academic programs?

Dakota State University is well-known for its technology and cybersecurity programs. The student-faculty ratio is 19:1, allowing for reasonable class sizes. The university has built a strong reputation as a leader in digital security education and computer science training.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Dakota State University?

Dakota State University graduates have a 98.3% employment rate, reflecting strong job market demand for their tech skills. The median earnings 10 years after graduation reach $50,970. However, only 49.30% of students graduate within six years, which is below the national average.

Where is Dakota State University located and what is campus life like?

Dakota State University sits in Madison, South Dakota, a small town setting with 1,969 total students. The campus houses 895 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. With 68% male enrollment, the gender ratio reflects the university's strong focus on technology fields.

Does Dakota State University have strong athletic programs?

Dakota State University competes in NAIA athletics as the Trojans across 14 varsity sports. The university supports 430 total athletes with $1,094,478 in athletic scholarships. While athletics exist, the university's primary identity centers on its technology and cybersecurity academic reputation rather than sports.