Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota, United States
- Cost of Living$ 15,324
- Tuition Fee From$ 11,930
- Country Rank#658
- Batch Strength3,307
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
Dakota State University, founded in 1881 in Madison, South Dakota, USA, began as a teacher education institution but has since expanded to offer over 45 undergraduate majors, including cybersecurity, computer science, and business. With just over 2,700 undergraduates, DSU fosters strong student-faculty relationships.
The university is renowned for its affordable tuition and fees. Madison, a city of 25,000, provides safety and a range of amenities such as restaurants, shops, parks, and lakes. DSU is distinguished for its focus on technology, offering leading cybersecurity education and acclaimed computer science and business programmes.
It also boasts a tight-knit, supportive community and is situated in the ideal location of Madison, South Dakota—a safe and cost-effective city. For those seeking a tech-focused university with affordable education and a close-knit community, Dakota State University is an excellent choice.
DSU's small size, with over 2,700 undergraduates, fosters a close-knit community and encourages meaningful student-faculty interactions. It's proud of its diverse student body, drawing from across the U.S. and worldwide.
Moreover, DSU is committed to student success, offering extensive support services for academic, personal, and professional growth. Its robust alumni network creates valuable mentorship and internship opportunities, enriching the student experience.
Ranking
In 2024, the university saw US News and World Report placing it in the #95 position among Regional Universities Midwest. Adding to that, it was ranked #30 among Top Public Schools. Otherwise, DSU has consistently earned top rankings, solidifying its reputation as a leading institution in various fields. Here are the Dakota State University rankings:
- #466 - Best Colleges In Nation - College Factual
- #6 - Best Colleges In South Dakota - College Factual
- #307 - Top Public Universities in America - Niche 2024
- #676 - Best Value Colleges in America - Niche 2024
Course Rankings
In addition to these overall rankings, DSU excels in specific programme areas:
- #16 - Best Colleges for Information Technology in America - Niche 2024
- #94 - Best Colleges for Computer Science in America - Niche 2024
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
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Facilities
Dakota State University facilities cater to both students and faculty, featuring:
- Academic Buildings: Equipped with advanced technology, including the Beacom School of Business, Mikkelson Center for Business and Education, and the Science and Technology Center.
- Residence Halls: Offering furnished options like traditional halls, apartments, and suites, complete with laundry and internet access.
- Dining Hall: The Trojan Den provides diverse meal choices, from buffets to made-to-order stations and grab-and-go options.
- Library: The Karl E. Mundt Library houses a vast collection of books and offers computer access, printing, and research support.
- Student Center: The Student Union is a bustling hub with a game room, bowling alley, food court, and bookstore.
- Athletic Facilities: Includes a football stadium, track and field complex, basketball court, swimming pool, and a cutting-edge esports arena.
Additionally, specialized facilities like the DSU Cyber 27 security lab, the Center for Enterprise Systems, and the Digital Media & Communications Center enhance the university's offerings, continually updated to meet student needs.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
Dakota State University's acceptance rate is 85.6%, this signifies that approximately 86 out of every 100 applicants are granted admission.
It's worth noting that DSU's acceptance rate can fluctuate based on the specific programme of interest. Dakota State University courses like cybersecurity and computer science may have more competitive admission rates compared to others.
Entry Requirements
Students need to take care of Dakota State University entry requirements before applying. Applicants who don't meet the minimum GPA or test score criteria can still gain admission by providing a letter of explanation or showcasing strong extracurricular involvement and relevant work experience.
Dakota State University sets forth the following prerequisites for prospective undergraduate students:
- Completion of high school or an equivalent qualification.
- Attainment of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
- Achievement of an ACT composite score of 18 or higher, OR an SAT total score of 950 or higher (comprising Math and Evidence-Based Reading).
- Placement in the upper 60 per cent of your high school graduating class.
English Proficiency Requirements
For international applicants, the following language proficiency requirements must be met:
- TOEFL iBT score - 71 or higher.
- An IELTS score - 6.0 or higher.
- A PTE Academic score - 52 or higher.
Fees
Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, is renowned for its cybersecurity, computer science, and business programmes. With a tight-knit community and affordable tuition, DSU offers various fees, including tuition, student fees, course fees, room and board, and other miscellaneous charges. Here's a breakdown of estimated Dakota State University fees:
- In-state students: $12,735
- Out-of-state students: $18,055
- Online students: $15,490
- Room and board: $10,000 - $12,000
- Books and supplies: $1,000 - $1,500
- Personal expenses: $2,500 - $3,000
- Total estimated cost for in-state students: $26,235 - $28,235
- Total estimated cost for out-of-state students: $32,555 - $34,555
- Total estimated cost for online students: $29,000 - $31,000
Placements
Dakota State University's placement rate was 99.7% for the Class of 2022. This reflects DSU's commitment to quality education and strong industry connections.
DSU graduates are in high demand across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, business, and education. The university's Career and Professional Development Center equips students with valuable resources for job readiness, including resume and cover letter support, mock interviews, and networking opportunities.
Recent DSU graduates have secured positions with renowned companies such as Amazon, Apple, Boeing, Deloitte, Google, and Microsoft.
Scholarship
Dakota State University provides various scholarships based on merit, financial need, and more. Notable scholarships include:
- President's Scholarship: Awarded to the top 1% of incoming freshmen based on ACT/SAT scores and GPA.
- Trustee Scholarship: Granted to the top 5% of incoming freshmen based on ACT/SAT scores and GPA.
- Academic Scholarship: Available to students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Athletic Scholarship: Offered to DSU's student-athletes.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Various need-based scholarships are available to eligible students.
Moreover, students can explore UniScholars, a platform that guides them through the entire study abroad process. It offers assistance with programme and university selection as well as scholarship and visa applications. Students can get valuable academic and personal resources for a successful study abroad experience.
Finances
DSU students can apply for federal student loans, which offer low-interest options to cover tuition and related costs. To initiate the application process, students need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online through the FAFSA website.
Also, students can explore UniCreds, a student loan comparison website facilitating the comparison of student loan rates and terms from various lenders. UniCreds simplifies the process of finding the most suitable student loan.
Accommodation
Dakota State University offers diverse on-campus housing options, including traditional halls, apartments, and suites, fostering a vibrant campus community.
Additionally, students can find their perfect living space when studying abroad with UniAcco. It provides off-campus premium alternatives like apartments, houses, and townhouses, catering to students.
Additionally, consider UniAcco, a global student accommodation platform that grants access to premium rooms and apartments. With various housing options to fit every budget and convenience, UniAcco assists students in finding accommodation near their university and essential amenities.
Cost of Living
Madison, Wisconsin, is a favoured choice among students due to its renowned university, lively atmosphere, and reasonable living expenses. Madison's living costs are roughly 3% above the national average. Nevertheless, student expenses are often mitigated by discounts on housing, dining, and transportation.
Here's a breakdown of the usual expenses students can anticipate in Madison:
|
Particulars |
Monthly Cost (Dollars) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$699 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$871 |
|
Transportation |
$65 |
|
Food Cost |
$547 |
|
Entertainment |
$56 |
|
Groceries |
$48 |
|
Clothes |
$123 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation |
$1738 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation |
$1910 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$20856 |