About Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University serves 1,108 students in the heart of North Dakota's oil country. The Blue Hawks focus on practical programs that match the region's economic needs, particularly agriculture, business, and education. Students come from across the region, with 56% from North Dakota and the rest drawn by affordable tuition and small class sizes with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio.
The financial picture looks solid for a regional public university. Students pay an average net price of $15,270 after aid, while out-of-state tuition runs just $11,218. Graduates typically earn $50,720 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $18,442 manageable with monthly payments around $196. The employment rate hits 97.9%, reflecting strong regional job demand.
Campus life revolves around tight-knit community connections typical of small-town colleges. The Blue Hawks field 18 varsity sports teams in NAIA competition, with 362 student-athletes receiving $1.3 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 43% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared for the academic commitment. The 60% retention rate indicates that while some students transfer or leave, those who stay often find their niche in this close community.
The financial picture looks solid for a regional public university. Students pay an average net price of $15,270 after aid, while out-of-state tuition runs just $11,218. Graduates typically earn $50,720 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $18,442 manageable with monthly payments around $196. The employment rate hits 97.9%, reflecting strong regional job demand.
Campus life revolves around tight-knit community connections typical of small-town colleges. The Blue Hawks field 18 varsity sports teams in NAIA competition, with 362 student-athletes receiving $1.3 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 43% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared for the academic commitment. The 60% retention rate indicates that while some students transfer or leave, those who stay often find their niche in this close community.
Academics & Faculty
Dickinson State serves as a regional public university focused on practical career preparation in agriculture, business, and education. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in small classes typical of rural universities. However, the 43% graduation rate reflects challenges many students face in completing their degrees within six years. The university emphasizes hands-on learning in programs like agricultural technology and elementary education, designed to serve North Dakota's workforce needs. With 1,108 students, everyone knows each other on this close-knit campus. The school's strength lies in affordable, accessible education rather than research or strong academics, making it a practical choice for first-generation college students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.4%
- Retention Rate
- 60.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,720
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Data Processing. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,123 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $41,789 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $40,621 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,597 |
| Agriculture, General. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
Campus Life
The campus sits in Dickinson, a small town of about 23,000 people in western North Dakota's oil country. You'll need serious winter gear here, as temperatures regularly drop below zero from December through February. With housing capacity for only 383 students and total enrollment of 1,108, about one-third of students live on campus in the residence halls.
The Blue Hawks compete in 18 NAIA sports, drawing 362 student-athletes who make up nearly a third of the student body. This creates a tight-knit athletic culture where everyone knows the players. Weekend activities often center around games, especially during basketball season when the gymnasium becomes the social center. Students frequently head to nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park for hiking and outdoor recreation. The surrounding Bakken oil fields provide internship and job opportunities, contributing to the strong 97.9% employment rate after graduation. With Bismarck two hours east as the nearest major city, campus life becomes the main social scene. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a small-town college atmosphere where academic and social life blend together.
The Blue Hawks compete in 18 NAIA sports, drawing 362 student-athletes who make up nearly a third of the student body. This creates a tight-knit athletic culture where everyone knows the players. Weekend activities often center around games, especially during basketball season when the gymnasium becomes the social center. Students frequently head to nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park for hiking and outdoor recreation. The surrounding Bakken oil fields provide internship and job opportunities, contributing to the strong 97.9% employment rate after graduation. With Bismarck two hours east as the nearest major city, campus life becomes the main social scene. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, creating a small-town college atmosphere where academic and social life blend together.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 383 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1918
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 6°–26°F
- July Avg
- 54°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 69.8"
Student Demographics
Dickinson State draws a regional student body with 56% coming from North Dakota and nearby states. The Blue Hawks attract students seeking affordable education in practical fields like agriculture, business, and teacher preparation. Women make up 57% of the 1,108 students, reflecting strong education and healthcare programs that traditionally draw more female students. About 22% receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves working-class families looking for career-focused degrees. The demographic mix reflects a school built for students who want to stay close to home while gaining skills for rural and regional employment.
- Men
- 43.0%
- Women
- 57.0%
- White
- 76.9%
- Black
- 2.4%
- Hispanic
- 8.6%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 55.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.8%
Location
Dickinson sits in the heart of western North Dakota's oil country, roughly 100 miles from Bismarck and 300 miles from Minneapolis. The Bakken oil boom transformed this once-quiet prairie town of 25,000 into a bustling energy center. Students experience true small-town living where the campus represents about 4% of the city's population. The surrounding Badlands offer rugged beauty just an hour south, while endless wheat fields and ranches stretch in every direction. With 55.74% of students coming from in-state, the university maintains strong North Dakota roots. The remote setting means limited dining and entertainment options beyond campus. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare Dickinson State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Dickinson, North Dakota 58601-4896
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,720
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,564
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $196/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,442
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Dickinson State University?
Dickinson State University accepts 72% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1003, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students with diverse academic backgrounds in western North Dakota.
How much does Dickinson State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,270 annually after financial aid. In-state tuition is just $9,118, making this one of the most affordable public universities in the region for North Dakota residents.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Dickinson State University?
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 across the university's 1,108 students. This small size allows for personalized attention in programs like agriculture, business, and education that the school is known for.
What are the graduation rates at Dickinson State University?
The six-year graduation rate is 43%, while graduates earn a median salary of $50,720 ten years after enrollment. The 60% retention rate reflects challenges common to small rural universities serving first-generation college students.
Where do Dickinson State University students live on campus?
Campus housing accommodates 383 students out of the total enrollment of 1,108. The remote western North Dakota location creates a tight-knit campus community, with room and board costing $7,740 annually.
Does Dickinson State University offer athletic scholarships?
The Blue Hawks compete in NAIA athletics and award $1,276,465 in athletic scholarships across 18 varsity sports. With 362 total athletes, nearly one-third of the student body participates in competitive athletics at this sports-focused institution.
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