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.
Located in Madison, SD and set in a rural environment, Dakota State University is a public university. Its campus spans 86 acres. 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%.
Here are some latest data on important things to consider about 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
You need to discover as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the institution in order to increase your chances of being accepted. Here are the most important data you need to know about admission policy and requirements at Dakota State University.
According to the most recent data, this institution 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 if the applicant chooses to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, 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 total number of those who submitted test scores. 12% of the new students 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% between 800 and 999, and 9% of the students 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 ACT composite average score for all the admitted students in 2023 was 23 while the average GPA was 3.38. Accordingly, you'll probably need an above-average GPA in order to be granted acceptance, as well as an above-average ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 550 for the admitted students, while the average SAT Math score was 550.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. This piece of data is important as it can reveal to the prospective students how many freshmen liked the school enough to return to it as sophomores.
The freshman retention rate for Dakota State University was 74.5% in 2023, reflecting the superb quality of the educational programs at 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 academic institution, the proportion of students graduating in six years is 46%.
Student Body
Figuring out which school is the right fit for you is not a task you should take lightly. Knowing more about the student population can help you get a better idea of the school's culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2023, the institution enrolled 3,241 students.
That year, the school had an out-of-state student body percentage of 40. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 2,757, 51 of which were foreign students. 209 students were admitted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 1,066 male and 424 female full-time students in 2023. This school had 71 full-time graduate male and 23 full-time graduate female students at 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. A heterogeneous student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 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, while the number of African American students was 74. 103 undergrads at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 64 as multirace. 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
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to consider before you apply. Here are some data on the expenses that most students at this institution have.
Tuition and Fees
If you were wondering how much the tuition cost for Dakota State University is, here are some recent data that will come in handy.
For the students who live in the area, the tuition cost was $7,616, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. Tuition fees were $10,718 for students coming from out of state. If you are an international student at Dakota State University, you should know that the 2023 tuition was $10,718, as well. Full-time students in 2023 needed to pay additional fees in the amount of $2,017.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $10,718 | $2,017 | $12,735 |
| In-State | $7,616 | $2,017 | $9,633 |
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to consider the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,200.
Boarding
Before you apply to a college or university, you should, among other things, think about the price of a dorm room and cafeteria meals. How much do room and board fees average around at schools?
At Dakota State University, the 2023 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $7,464. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2023 amounted to $4,322 for one academic year. 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
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial support can be a great deal for a number of students. Check out some recent data to get informed 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. Students of this school received an average of $9,871 in financial help.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet some eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
There were 365 students who secured need-based financial aid of any kind. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was 708. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution totaled $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
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like 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 grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 170 full-time freshman. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $2,304,581 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $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
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Dakota State University was 18:1: that means 18 students per one teacher. This school has recently reported to have 129 faculty members. Out of that number, there were 79 male and 54 female faculty members.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Dakota State University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some information about social life at Dakota State University.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership usually 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 with the highest level of popularity 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.
For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. Interested in media and communication? Dakota State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Dakota State University, there are many amenities that make life on campus pleasant and safe.
The school's dormitory entrances are operated electronically. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
There is a health 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 everything most students need.
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 highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Being aware of the projected salary upon finishing your studies can be important in determining if a specific school is in line with your career ambitions.
The average base annual starting salary of the students who were employed within six months of graduation at this institution 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 reported acceptance rate for Dakota State University is 79%.
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The most recent data indicate that 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.