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About

About Dakota State University

cybersecurity and tech focussmall public universitymasters level programseducation and business strengths

Dakota State University is a public university in Madison, SD, known for its cybersecurity and tech focus, masters level programs, and education and business strengths. With an acceptance rate of 79%, DSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 372 students each year. DSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 880–940, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. DSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $4,295 per year; the sticker price of $25,957 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Dakota State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

79%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
910
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.00 – 3.75 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 880 – 940 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 20 – 26

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Dakota State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Dakota State is one of the few universities designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations, so if you have any interest in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology, make that connection explicit in your application materials. Admissions officers there are actively looking for students who fit that tech-forward identity.
Application Strategy
DSU is a small campus in rural Madison, South Dakota, so show in your application that you have done your homework about what that environment actually looks like. Mentioning specific programs like the Beacom School of Computer and Cyber Sciences or campus resources like the Trojan Cyber Team signals genuine fit rather than treating DSU as a fallback.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Dakota State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$26k/yr$17.3k
30k-48k~$26k/yr$18.8k
48k-75k~$26k/yr$19.2k
75k-110k~$26k/yr$22.6k
110k+~$26k/yr$23.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

49%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$46k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,859
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

74%White
6%International
5%Hispanic
4%Black / African American
4%Two or More Races
3%Asian
2%Unknown / Unreported
2%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender64% Men · 36% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status94% Citizens and Immigrants · 6% International
DSU, Madison Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch