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Dakota State University
Madison, SD
Dakota State University (DSU) is a public institution located in Madison, South Dakota. Established in 1881, DSU has a rich history of providing quality education and cutting-edge technology programs. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as computer science, cyber operations, health information administration, education, business, and more. DSU is known for its innovative approach to education and commitment to equipping students with skills that are highly sought after in today's job market.
One of the key highlights of Dakota State University is its strong emphasis on technology. DSU is recognized as a national leader in cyber operations education and research, offering programs specifically designed to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, computer science, and related fields. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated cyber labs and a cyber range, to provide hands-on experience and training to its students.
Moreover, DSU is known for its close-knit community and supportive environment. With a relatively small student population compared to larger universities, Dakota State University offers individualized attention and personalized learning experience. The faculty at DSU are highly competent and accessible, providing mentoring and guidance to help students succeed academically and professionally. Additionally, the university offers numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to encourage student involvement and foster a well-rounded college experience.
In summary, Dakota State University is a technologically-focused institution that prides itself on providing cutting-edge education with a focus on cybersecurity and computer science. With its vibrant community and nurturing environment, DSU offers students a well-rounded learning experience. Whether students are seeking to pursue a career in technology or other fields, Dakota State University equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen paths.
Dakota State University is a public university located in Madison, SD and set in a rural environment. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 79%. The freshman retention rate at Dakota State University is 74.5% and the six-year graduation rate is 46%.
Read more about what you can expect if you get into Dakota State University.
Quick Facts
2,757
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
79%
Acceptance Rate
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
46%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
Learning as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission improves your chances of getting admitted. Discover some relevant information about admission at Dakota State University.
According to the newest data, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 690 in 2023. Dakota State University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the applicant. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
12% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 80% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. 12% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 16% between 1,200 and 1,399, 42% between 1,000 and 1,199, 21% of the students between 800 and 999, and 9% between 600 and 799. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 15, 31 between 24-29, 36 in the range between 18-23, and 18 between 12-17.
The average ACT score for all the accepted students in 2023 was 23 while the average GPA was 3.38. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Dakota State University; the same goes for your ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 550 and an average SAT Math score of 550.
Retention Rate
The percentage of first-year students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. That information can tell you if the majority of freshmen liked their first year enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for Dakota State University was 74.5% in 2023, a testament to the outstanding educational experience provided by this institution.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 46%.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the right fit for you. Obtaining a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2023, the institution had an enrollment of 3,241 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 40% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 2,757, 51 of which were foreign students. The school reported to have a total of 209 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 1,066 male and 424 female full-time students in 2023. 71 full-time graduate men and 23 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
In order to promote a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
In 2023, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 48, and the number of African American students was 74. 103 students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 64 identified with more than one race. The school also had 13 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 25 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 36 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before sending an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into consideration. The latest information on the expenses that most students at this school incur are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about Dakota State University estimated tuition price.
If you are an area resident, your tuition was $7,616. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $10,718. For international students, tuition fees at this school amounted to $10,718, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students came to a total of $2,017 in 2023.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $10,718 | $2,017 | $12,735 |
| In-State | $7,616 | $2,017 | $9,633 |
Books and Supplies
The approximate cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another important expense. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,200.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
At Dakota State University, the 2023 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $7,464. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school amounted to $4,322, according to the data from 2023. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $5,139.
| Tuition | $ 7,616 |
| Room and Board | $ 7,464 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,200 |
| Total Expense | $ 16,280 |
Financial Aid
Getting some financial aid in forms of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs can be crucial for finishing your studies. Check out some recent data to get the info about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid you might get at Dakota State University.
The most recent records show that 199 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students totaled $9,871.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
There were 365 students who attained need-based financial aid of any kind. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 708. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution stood at $2,304,581, and state $228,824. The students of Dakota State University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $1,469,302, and external in the amount of $1,461,497.
$5,242
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 430 students overall (including freshmen) at Dakota State University in 2023. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 170 full-time freshmen. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $2,304,581 while the state aid is $10,373. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $600,137. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $596,950 USD.
Majors
Faculty
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Dakota State University was 18:1: that means 18 students per one teacher. According to the most recent information, there are 129 faculty members at this school. Out of that number, there were 79 male and 54 female faculty members.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Find out some information about social life at Dakota State University.
Its campus spans 86 acres.
Student Organizations
A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.
According to the most recent information, there are 45 open-membership organizations at Dakota State University. The student organization that is most favored by students is Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), followed by International Club and Gaming Club. Other popular organizations among the students at Dakota State University are Computer Club and Esports Club.
There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. For individuals with an interest in media and communication, Dakota State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Dakota State University provides a number of services necessary for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Dakota State University.
All in all, campus life at Dakota State University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Dakota State University.
Career Counselling
At Dakota State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Knowing what salary you can expect once you have completed your studies can help you decide if a certain school matches your career goals.
The average base annual starting salary of the students who were employed within six months of graduation at this school is 56,546 USD.
$56,546
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Dakota State University is located in Madison, SD.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Dakota State University is 79%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Dakota State University is 74.5%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.