# Dakota State University

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dakota-state-university

## Overview

- **Location:** Madison, SD
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Town
- **Region:** Plains
- **Enrollment:** 2,071
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's

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.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 88% |
| SAT Average | 1215 |
| ACT Midpoint | 23 |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $9,654 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $12,756 |
| Average Net Price | $21,057 |
| Median Debt | $23,500 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 17% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 34% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $17,317 |
| $30K-$48K | $18,792 |
| $48K-$75K | $19,165 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $23,269 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 50% |
| Retention Rate | 75% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $46,146 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $46,966 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $50,970 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.46x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Computer Science & IT | 66% |
| Education | 12% |
| Humanities | 6% |
| Business & Marketing | 5% |
| Health Professions | 3% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 1% |
| English & Literature | 1% |
| Biology & Biomedical | 1% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 5 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #8 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-south-dakota)
- #8 in [Best Master's Programs in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-south-dakota)
- #11 in [Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-south-dakota)
- #12 in [Best Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-south-dakota)
- #13 in [Best Business Colleges in South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-south-dakota)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Dakota State University — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dakota-state-university