Dakota State University

Madison, SD · Public · 4-year

Dakota State University has a 97.9% acceptance rate. Dakota State University is a public 4-year institution in Madison, SD, with a median SAT of 1320 and a median ACT of 24. The average net price is $21,057 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

97.9%

988 applicants

SAT Median

1320

Combined score

ACT Median

24

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$21,057

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Dakota State University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Dakota State University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)102013201440
ACT (composite, 1–36)202426

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.5%

Retention Rate

75.5%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

2,071

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Dakota State University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$17,317
$30,001 – $48,000$18,792
$48,001 – $75,000$19,165
$75,001 – $110,000$22,601
$110,000+$23,269

Top Majors at Dakota State University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Computer & Information Sciences221
Education58
Liberal Arts & General Studies18
Business, Management & Marketing18
Military Technologies10
Parks, Recreation & Fitness10
English Language & Literature6
Health Professions6
Mathematics & Statistics4
Biological & Biomedical Sciences3

Financial Aid at Dakota State University

About Dakota State University

Official website: https://dsu.edu/

Admissions: https://dsu.edu/admissions/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions About Dakota State University

What is the acceptance rate at Dakota State University?

Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. it received about 988 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1320; the average net price is $21,057 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Dakota State University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Dakota State University?

Getting into Dakota State University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 98% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1320. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Dakota State University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Dakota State University?

Admitted students at Dakota State University typically have a median SAT around 1320 and a median ACT around 24. With a 98% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Dakota State University is located in Madison, SD. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Dakota State University?

The average net price at Dakota State University is $21,057 per year after grants and scholarships. about 95% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $5,263 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Dakota State University?

Dakota State University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 75%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Dakota State University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Dakota State University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Dakota State University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1320. With a 98% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Dakota State University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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