Dakota State University: Admission 2025-26, Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate at DSU

About

Dakota State University, located in Madison, South Dakota, is a prominent public institution established in 1881. Boasting a diverse community, the university attracts over 3,200 students from 49 U.S. states and 52 countries worldwide. The university offers an array of academic programs, encompassing more than 45 major fields of study across its four colleges, including business, arts and sciences, and cybersecurity.

What is the Acceptance Rate of Dakota State University?

The acceptance rate of Dakota State University is 79%.

Financial aid is a significant aspect of the university in supporting its students' educational journeys. As of fall 2021, a remarkable 76% of students receive financial assistance, with an average award of $9,861 per year. In terms of rankings, Dakota State University is holding an esteemed position among Regional Universities in the Midwest, securing the #85 spot.

For international students aspiring to pursue their undergraduate studies at Dakota State University, the tuition fee is competitively set at $5,968. Graduate students from abroad will find the tuition fee for their programs to be $12,909.

Top Reasons to Study in the Dakota State University

Here are some of the top reasons to study at Dakota State University:

Affordable tuition: The university is a public university, so tuition is relatively affordable. In-state tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year is $7,930 per year.
Excellent academic programs: The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university is particularly known for its programs in cybersecurity, computer science, and nursing.
Hands-on learning opportunities: The university is committed to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. The university has several state-of-the-art facilities, including a cyber security lab, a computer science lab, and a nursing simulation lab.
Small class sizes: The university has a student body of just over 3,000 students, which means that class sizes are typically small. This allows students to get to know their professors and classmates well and to receive personalized attention.
Strong student life: The university has a vibrant student life. The university offers a variety of clubs and organizations, as well as intramural sports, Greek life, and a variety of cultural events.
Beautiful campus: The university is located in the city of Brookings, South Dakota. The university's campus is beautiful and well-maintained. It is home to a variety of trees, flowers, and gardens.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

79%

Application Fee

$20 - $36

How to Apply at Dakota State University

International students can apply to various undergraduate and graduate programs at the Dakota State University. Here is the application process to apply at the university:

Complete the online application: You can find the application form on the university website.
Submit your official academic transcripts: Your transcripts must be translated into English and evaluated by a recognized transcript evaluation agency.
Provide proof of English proficiency: You can do this by submitting your TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores.
Submit your Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR): The CRF is a document that shows that you have the financial resources to support yourself during your studies.
Pay the application fee: The application fee is $20 for undergraduate students and $35 for graduate students.

Documents Required to Apply to Dakota State University

List of documents required to submit with your application to the Dakota State University:

Undergraduate Student:

Complete application form and application fee
Official transcripts of previous secondary school
SAT or ACT scores
English Proficiency scores
Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR)

Graduate Student:

Complete application form and application fee
Official transcripts from the previous college attended
GRE or GMAT score
English Proficiency score
Personal Statement
Two letters of recommendation
Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR)

Exams Accepted By Dakota State University

Here are the minimum requirements for international students applying to Dakota State University:

Undergraduate Students:

SAT: 950
ACT: 80
TOEFL iBT: 71
TOEFL PBT: 525
IELTS: 6.0
PTE Academic: 50

Graduate Students:

GRE: 300
GMAT: 535
TOEFL iBT: 76
TOEFL PBT: 550
IELTS: 6.0
PTE Academic: 53

Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
South Dakota

View on Google Earth

Transportation in the city

Here are some of the transportation options available in Brookings, SD, the city where Dakota State University is located:

Public bus: The Brookings Area Transit Authority (BATA) operates a bus system that provides service throughout the city. The bus fare is $1.25 for a single ride or $25 for a monthly pass.
Taxi: There are several taxi companies in Brookings that can provide transportation to and from anywhere in the city. The taxi fare is typically around $2 per mile.
Bicycle: Brookings is a relatively bike-friendly city, and there are several bike paths and trails that crisscross the city. You can also rent bicycles from several local businesses.
Walking: Brookings is a relatively small city, so it is easy to get around on foot. Many of the campus buildings are also within walking distance of each other.

Services offered by the university

Dakota State University offers a wide range of services to its students, faculty, and staff. These services include:

Academic advising: Students are assigned an academic advisor who can help them choose courses, plan their degree, and make decisions about their academic career.
Career counselling: Students can get help with career planning, job search skills, and resume writing from the DSU Career Center.
Financial aid: Students can apply for financial aid to help pay for their education. The DSU Financial Aid Office can help students understand the different types of financial aid available and apply for the aid they qualify for.
Health services: The DSU Student Health Center provides students with preventive care, sick care, and mental health services.
Technology services: The university provides students with access to a variety of technology resources, including computers, printers, and software.
International student services: The DSU International Student Services Office provides international students with support and resources to help them succeed at DSU. These services include academic advising, cultural orientation, and help with immigration paperwork.
Financial aid: International students may be eligible for financial aid to help pay for their education. The DSU Financial Aid Office can help international students understand the different types of financial aid available and apply for the aid they qualify for.

Student life at Dakota State University

Student organizations: There are over 100 student organizations at the university, so you're sure to find one that interests you. From academic clubs to social groups to Greek life, there's something for everyone.
Intramural sports: The university offers a variety of intramural sports, so you can get active and have fun with your friends. From basketball to flag football to ultimate frisbee, there's a sport for everyone.
Cultural events: The university hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, plays, and art exhibits. This is a great way to learn about different cultures and expand your horizons.
Cheer on the Trojans: DSU's athletic teams, the Trojans, compete in the NAIA. You can show your school spirit by attending games, cheering on the team, and wearing your Trojan gear.
Explore the community: Madison, South Dakota, is a small town with a lot to offer. You can visit the local shops and restaurants, go hiking or biking in the Black Hills, or just relax and enjoy the peace.

On campus accomodation at Dakota State University

Dakota State University offers a variety of on-campus housing options for students. These options include:

Residence halls: The university offers a variety of residence halls for students, including traditional halls, apartment-style halls, and suites. Residence halls are located on campus and provide students with a convenient and affordable place to live.
The Courtyard: The Courtyard is a student apartment complex located on campus. The Courtyard offers students a variety of apartment styles, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.
Van Eps Place: Van Eps Place is a student apartment complex located on campus. Van Eps Place offers students a variety of apartment styles, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.

The cost of on-campus housing varies depending on the type of housing and the number of roommates. According to College Factual the on-campus housing typically costs around $4,116.

Faculty

University Faculty:Student Ratio

1:18

University Faculty Stats

Here are some statistics about the faculty at Dakota State University:

Number of faculty: There are 600 full-time faculty members at DSU.
Faculty-to-student ratio: The faculty-to-student ratio at DSU is 16:1.
Average faculty salary: The average faculty salary at DSU is $70,000.
Percentage of faculty with PhDs: 70% of DSU faculty members have PhDs.
Average class size: The university has an average class size of 15.3 students.

Career Opportunities

Internship opportunities at Dakota State University

Dakota State University offers a variety of internships and part-time opportunities for students in all majors. Internships can be unpaid or paid, and they can be completed during the semester or summer.

Here are some resources where you can find internship and part-time job opportunities at the university:

DSU Career Center: The DSU Career Center is a great resource for finding internship and part-time job opportunities. The Career Center has a database of job listings, and they also offer career counselling and workshops.
Handshake: Handshake is an online platform that connects students with employers. Handshake has a database of internship and part-time job listings, and it also allows students to connect with employers and apply for jobs.
DSU Job Board: The DSU Job Board is a website that lists open positions at DSU. The Job Board includes both full-time and part-time positions, and it also includes internship positions.

Placement of Dakota State University

Job placement rate: The job placement rate for Dakota State University graduates is 99.7%. This means that 99.7% of university graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
Hiring companies: Some of the top hiring companies for Dakota State University graduates include:

Amazon Web Services
Epic
Federated Insurance
IBM
the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade
Dropbox
Lockheed Martin
Kraft Heinz
Viacom CBS
Oracle
U.S. Department of Defense
Verizon

Salaries: The average starting salary for Dakota State University graduates is $50,604.85. This number can vary depending on the major and the location of the job.