Dakota State University
#8 Best Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota- Graduation Rate
- 50% C-
- About half of students who start complete their degree
- Earnings (10yr)
- $50,970 B-
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $21,057 D+
- 23% more than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 88% D+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C- overall grade — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges. 13.5× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $13.5 over 20 years. Ranked #8 in Best Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota.
Every $1 spent returns $13.5 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,056,788.
What The Data Says
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A C- overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Earnings 25% above the national college median.
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Every $1 invested returns $13.5 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About Dakota State University
Dakota State University is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 2,071
- Setting
- Town
- Primary Strengths
- Computer Science & IT, Education, Business & Marketing, Humanities
Why students choose Dakota State University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 88% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1190–1440. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $21,057 a year after grants and scholarships — 23% above the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $50,970 ten years after enrolling — 25% above the typical college, against $23,500 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
Dakota State University is a great fit for students looking to dive into fields like Computer Science, IT, Education, and Business. With an acceptance rate of 88%, the university welcomes a wide range of applicants. Students here appreciate the focus on practical, career-oriented education, especially in tech and health-related programs. Those studying in these areas often find themselves well-prepared for the job market.
After graduation, students from Dakota State can expect to earn around $50,970 in their first decade of work. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on their educational investment. While 50% of students graduate, those who do tend to move into positions that can lead to higher earnings over time. The university's affordability, with a net price of $21,057 after aid, makes it a reasonable option for many.
When considering the financial aspects, the median debt stands at $23,500, which is manageable for many graduates, especially given their earning potential. The 17% of students receiving Pell Grants indicates that there is some support for low-income students, but it also highlights the need for careful financial planning. Overall, students who thrive here are often those eager to take advantage of the practical programs and supportive community to set themselves up for a successful career.
Rankings
- #8 Best Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
- #8 Best Master's Programs in South Dakota
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Mathematics
- #9 Best Online Master's in Mathematics
- #10 Best Online Mathematics Programs
- #11 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota
- #12 Best Colleges in South Dakota
- #12 Best Online Colleges in South Dakota
Can I Get In?
How selective Dakota State University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Dakota State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Madison, South Dakota, Dakota State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 88%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,215. The graduation rate is roughly 50%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Retention Rate
- 75%
- SAT Average
- 1215
- ACT Midpoint
- 23
- SAT Range
- 1190–1440
- ACT Range
- 20–27
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $9,954
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.44
- First-Gen Students
- 28%
- Applicants
- 882
- Admitted
- 696
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Dakota State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Dakota State University is $12,756, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $21,057. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $17,317 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $23,500 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $9,654
- Out-of-State
- $12,756
- Avg Net Price
- $21,057
- Median Debt
- $23,500
- Pell Grant Rate
- 17%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 34%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $17,317
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $18,792
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $19,165
- Family Income $110K+
- $23,269
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Dakota State University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Dakota State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Dakota State University earn a median of $50,970, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $46,146
- 8 Years
- $46,966
- 10 Years
- $50,970
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.46x
- Earning > $25K
- 71%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (77)
- 29%
- 100% (77)
- 29%
- 100% (77)
- 29%
- 100% (77)
- 29%
How Dakota Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is Dakota State University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Dakota State University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $21,057/year ($84,228 total). Graduates earn $50,970 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,141,016 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,056,788 (13.5× your investment). The median debt is $23,500, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 50% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $84,228
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,141,016
- Net Return
- $1,056,788
- ROI Multiple
- 13.5×
- Cost Per Year
- $21,057
- Median Debt
- $23,500
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $5,435,225
- Investment Income
- $66,675
Top Programs
The fields Dakota State University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Computer Science & IT 58% $66,496 early-career
- Education 16% $50,714 early-career
- Business & Marketing 9% $46,778 early-career
- Humanities 6%
- Biology & Biomedical 3%
- Health Professions 2% $54,760 early-career
- Mathematics & Statistics 2%
- English & Literature 0%
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Dakota State University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-AI/ML Engineer$156,000 · 23% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Computer Vision Engineer$145,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CPhysicist$142,850 · 5% growthAdaptable 66
- CAstronomer$142,850 · 4% growthAdaptable 66
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Dakota State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Madison, South Dakota, Dakota State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 88%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,215. The graduation rate is roughly 50%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Dakota State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Dakota State University is $12,756, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $21,057. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $17,317 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $23,500 in federal student loans.
Is Dakota State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Dakota State University earn a median of $50,970, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Dakota State University.
- Upper Iowa UniversityFayette, IA · Close peer38% grad $52,766 earn 96% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Oklahoma Christian UniversityEdmond, OK · Close peer55% grad $49,203 earn 97% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Wingate UniversityWingate, NC · Close peer47% grad $52,649 earn 91% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of DubuqueDubuque, IA · Close peer41% grad $51,190 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Webster UniversitySaint Louis, MO · Close peer63% grad $50,876 earn 86% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Carlow UniversityPittsburgh, PA · Close peer58% grad $51,051 earn 87% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
