# Dakota State University

Madison, SD. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/dakota-state-university

Dakota State University is a public college in Madison, SD with 2,071 undergraduates. It admits 88% of applicants, and admitted students average 1215 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $20,554 per year ($16,949 for families earning under $30,000). 49% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $53,378 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 88% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 988 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 967 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 570–680 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 620–760 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 20–27 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $26,671 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $20,554 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $16,949 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $14,960 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $17,580 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $21,322 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $22,989 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 2,071 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 49% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $53,378 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,730 (FY2024) |

## What Dakota State University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Not considered
- Class rank: Required
- Essay or personal statement: Not considered
- Recommendations: Not considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Dakota State University's acceptance rate?**

Dakota State University admits 88% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for Dakota State University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 570–680 on SAT Reading and Writing and 620–760 on SAT Math; the average total is 1215.

**What ACT score do you need for Dakota State University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 20–27.

**Is Dakota State University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Dakota State University?**

In Fall 2023, 988 students applied to Dakota State University and 967 were admitted; 394 enrolled.

**Does Dakota State University consider legacy status?**

No. Dakota State University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Dakota State University require an essay?**

Dakota State University reported that an essay or personal statement is not considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Dakota State University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $26,671 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $20,554.

**What is Dakota State University's graduation rate?**

49% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 219082. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology