Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-year

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota Β· Town: DistantOfficial Website β†—

#3583
Nationally
#20
In South Dakota
98%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$7,616
In-State Tuition
per year
48%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
2,950
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
44/100
Average
#3583 nationally
#20 in South Dakota
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes48
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment17
πŸ”¬Program Breadth65

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Dakota State University is a public four-year university located in Madison, South Dakota. With 2,950 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 98%, the institution is considered accessible. In-state tuition is $7,616 per year ($10,718 out-of-state), below average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 48%, which is average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate98%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
988
Applied
967
Admitted
394
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading490 – 660
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math530 – 680
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)20 – 26
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$7,616/yr
In-State Fees$2,017/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$10,718/yr
Room & Board$10,190/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$19,823/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$22,925/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$7,616↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate48%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
2,950
Total Undergrads
39% F / 61% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 80%
Hispanic 4%
Black 3%
Asian 2%
Two or more 3%
International 3%
Native / Other 1%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($7,616/yr) is well below the national average for public colleges
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (98% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Data on some metrics is not yet available β€” contact the admissions office for details
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost, and students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationMadison, South Dakota
SettingTown: Distant
Size1,000–4,999
State Ranking
#20
in South Dakota out of 7+ colleges
#3583
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.