Dakota State University
Public university · Madison, SD · 2,071 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
88%
Accessible
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
Average net price
$20,554
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$26,671
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
49%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Dakota State University?
Dakota State University accepts about 88 of every 100 applicants (88%), which makes it accessible. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1190 and 1440 on the SAT. A score at or above 1440 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1190, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 20–27.
The latest federal data says Dakota State University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Dakota State University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Dakota State University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $26,671 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $20,554 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $9,938 for SD residents and $13,130 for out-of-state students.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$9,938
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$13,130
- Room & board$9,362
- Total cost of attendance$26,671
- Average net price after grants$20,554
Popular majors
Computer Science, Education, Business, Liberal Arts & General Studies.
Dakota State University FAQ
- What is Dakota State University's acceptance rate?
- 88% — accessible.
- What SAT score do you need for Dakota State University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1190–1440. Aim for 1440 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Dakota State University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 20–27.
- Is Dakota State University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Dakota State University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Dakota State University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Dakota State University cost?
- About $26,671 a year before aid; $20,554 on average after grants.
- What is Dakota State University's FAFSA school code?
- 003463. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Dakota State University receives your information.
- What is Dakota State University's graduation rate?
- 49% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Dakota State University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern State UniversityAberdeen, SD | 93% | 980–1160 | $15,279 | 52% |
| University of Sioux FallsSioux Falls, SD | 83% | — | $21,417 | 64% |
| South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyRapid City, SD | 80% | 1140–1340 | $20,827 | 52% |
| Black Hills State UniversitySpearfish, SD | 96% | 965–1135 | $19,252 | 42% |
| South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD | 98% | 1060–1240 | $20,139 | 62% |
| University of South DakotaVermillion, SD | 99% | 1125–1315 | $20,028 | 60% |