Dakota State University is a public university in Madison, South Dakota. It has an enrollment of 3,268 students including 2,818 undergraduates and 420 graduates. Over 90 international students representing 25 countries call the university their home. As per the fall intake, the acceptance rate of the university was 77%. The freshmen class enrolled 425 incoming students and marked the largest freshman class in the history of the university.

The University offers degrees from the associate to doctoral levels and certificate programs through 4 schools and colleges. DSU online delivers a number of programs and has an enrollment of 1,418 internet-only students. It is also known as the best online college in South Dakota in the Best Value Schools. It also earned the tag of Military Friendly School. The university has quite a high employment rate with 22 majors having 100% placement rate. It is among the most affordable places to study in the US.

Dakota State University Rankings

Dakota State University has ranked in the following categories:

U.S. News and World Report

  • #91 in Regional Universities Midwest
  • #145 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
  • #26 in Top Public Schools

Highlights

Establishment Year 1881
Type Public
Location South Dakota
Campus Setting Urban
Type of programs Bachelor's, Associate, Doctor's and Master's
Academic Calendar Semester
Location Madison, South Dakota
Applications Submitted Online
Student To Faculty Ratio 17:1
Acceptance Rate 83%
Financial Aid Work While Studying (Graduate Assistantships)
Students Enrollment 3190
Website dsu.edu
Admission Helpdesk Admissions@Dsu.Edu, 1-888-378-9988

Dakota State University Campus

Dakota State University Campus
  • The campus of Dakota State University consists of 5 buildings. The oldest campus structure is the Beadle Building, designed in 1886. The most recent structure is the Beacom Technology Institute.
  • KDSU is an university campus radio station that streams digitally at kdsu.net other than in the Student Union. The radio features many musical styles, from pop and rock to nation.
  • There are more than 45 clubs and organizations for students to participate in such as anime club, arts club, computer club, exercise science club, etc.
  • Other amenities available on the campus are dining, housing, bookstore, healthcare facilities, international students services etc.

Dakota State University Residence

  • Dakota State University consists of six residential halls, two apartment-style residential complexes and the Girton House each of them offers different facilities, some are:
  • Emry Hall
    • Emry hall was designed in 1968.
    • Emry Hall is a co-ed building which mainly provides housing facility to first-year students enrolled in the First Year Residence Experience Program.
  • The Courtyard
    • The courtyard was designed in the fall of 2017. It is a co-ed building that usually provides housing facilities to upper class students. The whole residence hall is on a single floor.
  • Zimmermann Hall
    • Constructed in 1964, it is for male students which provides housing facilities to first-year students enrolled in the First Year Residence Experience Program as well as first time college students.
  • Van Eps Place
    • Van Eps Place is situated four blocks from the university campus in the South West.
    • It offers housing facilities to over 23 co-ed students and is situated near restaurants, convenience stores and grocery shopping centers in a quiet suburban neighborhood.
  • All the housing facilities are provided with all kinds of amenities that are required for comfortable living such as laundry facilities, kitchen, Television and Wifi.

Dakota State University Programs

  • A variety of programs at Dakota State University are available to interested candidates.
  • DSU offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs, seven associate degrees, 21 certificate programs through its four colleges:
    • College of Arts & Sciences
    • College of Business & Information Systems
    • The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
    • College of Education
  • Dakota state university's easy, accessible online programs offer an opportunity to earn a degree while managing work and family responsibilities.
  • DSU offers associate degrees in business management, network and security administration, respiratory care and health information technology.
  • There are also doctoral degrees in philosophy in cyber defense, philosophy in cyber operations and philosophy in information systems.

Dakota State University Application Process

The admission criteria and qualification standards are different for international students who wish to get admitted into Dakota State University. Moreover, the process differs for UG and PG applications:

Admission Deadlines:

The application deadlines for international undergraduate admission to Dakota State University are as follows:

Semester Application Deadline
Fall June 15
Spring November 15

Undergraduate Admissions

Admission requirements:

  • ACT score must be 18 or higher or SAT score must be 950 or higher.
  • GPA should be 2.6 on the basis of 4.0 scale.
  • Rank should be 60 percent or higher in high school.
  • Letter of recommendation.
  • Proof of financial support.

Graduate Admissions

Admission requirements:

  • Official college transcripts.
  • Submission of TOEFL scores is mandatory for international students.
  • 3 letters of recommendation.
  • Bachelor’s degree or a professional degree.

Dakota State University Cost Of Attendance

Expenses Cost for non-residents
Tuition and Fees 5,906.25 USD
Wireless Computing Fee 396.75 USD
Housing and Food Service 3,574.00 USD
Estimated Cost Per Semester 9,877.00 USD
Estimated Total yearly cost 19,754.00 USD
  • The estimated cost may differ as it depends on the program the student will choose.

Dakota State University Financial Aid

Work-Study

  • Graduate Assistantships
    • Students in the MSIS, MSCD, MSA, MSET, MSCS and PhDIS programs, the university provides competitive graduate work while studying programs every semester.
      • Requirements for graduate Assistantships:
        • Students must attend the university regularly.
        • Students must retain a 3.25 GPA to renew the assistantship each semester.
        • Students must work part-time at DSU for about 19.5 hours per week.
  • Eligibility for graduate Assistantships:
    • Be a full-time regular student who will give a complete commitment to the assistantship program.
    • Students must not be working full time outside the university.
    • Be enrolled with the Assistantship for a regular course set.
    • Confirmation of GRE with official scores must be submitted to the graduate Office.
    • International students should have an F-1 visa and also have a social security number or must be in the process of receiving one. Non-student visa applicants are not qualified for a position till they receive the F-1 visa.

Dakota State University Alumni

  • Notable alumni of DSU are:
    • Shantel Swedlund Krebs is a former South Dakota secretary of state.
    • Richard Barrett Lowe was a writer and director of the 1929 movie ‘Dakotah,’ shot with DSU faculty members.
    • Thomas Bailey is a professional baseball player.
    • Josh Conklin is a former American football player and coach.

Dakota State University Placements

  • The placement figures for Dakota State University are 98 per cent for undergraduate students and 100 per cent for graduate students.
  • Handshake is the main portal to browse for work and internships for DSU students and alumnies.
  • Options vary from on-campus work-study roles to internships and specialized elite roles provided across our vast network of corporate, government, charity, and educational connections.

FAQs

Ques. Is Dakota State University a prestigious university?

Ans. Dakota State University ranks 91st in regional universities midwest and 26th in top public universities in U.S. News and World Report.

Ques. Is Dakota State University accredited?

Ans. Yes. Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Ques. What is Dakota State University known for?

Ans. Dakota State University is known as one of the best online colleges in South Dakota. Some popular online programs include Accounting, Business Management, Cyber Operations, Education, Marketing, etc.

Ques. Does Dakota State University offer dorms?

Ans. Dakota State University has six residential homes and apartments that are both dorm styles and apartment styles.

Ques. What is the average ACT for admission to Dakota State University?

Ans. The average ACT score for admission to Dakota State University is 23.

Ques. What is the application fee for applying to Dakota State University?

Ans. There is an application fee of 20 USD for applying to Dakota State University.

Ques. How can I apply to Dakota State University?

Ans. Students can apply to Dakota State University by completing the online application on the university’s application portal.

Ques. What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Dakota State University?

Ans. A minimum high school GPA of 2.6 on 4.0 is required for admission to Dakota State University.

Ques. How much is the tuition per credit at Dakota State University?

Ans. The per credit hour fee for non-resident undergraduates is 393.75 USD.

Ques. Does Dakota State University offer any kind of scholarships?

Ans. Yes. There are scholarships like general scholarships, champion scholarships, rising scholarships, etc. However, international students are not eligible for scholarships.