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Augustana University vs Dakota State University

Augustana University is a private university in Sioux Falls, SD, and Dakota State University is a public university in Madison, SD. Augustana University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 68% of applicants against 88% at Dakota State University. Dakota State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,057 a year against $23,894 at Augustana University. About 74% of students graduate at Augustana University, compared with 50% at Dakota State University. Ten years after enrolling, Augustana University alumni earn a median of about $59,217, against $50,970 for Dakota State University.

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Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD · Private

Dakota State University

Madison, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Sioux Falls, SD
Madison, SD
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,965
2,071
Acceptance rate
68%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.48–3.98
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1370
1190–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
20–27
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,894
$21,057
Full cost / yr
$55,159
$25,753
In-state tuition
$40,160
$9,654
Out-of-state tuition
$40,160
$12,756
Application fee
$0
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,746
$17,317
$30k - $48k
$18,895
$18,792
$48k - $75k
$17,937
$19,165
$75k - $110k
$24,787
$22,601
Over $110k
$27,327
$23,269
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
50%
Freshman retention
86%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,826
$46,146
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,217
$50,970
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$23,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
17%
First-generation students
14%
28%
International students
11%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Augustana University or Dakota State University harder to get into?
Augustana University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% of applicants, compared with 88% at Dakota State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Augustana University or Dakota State University?
Dakota State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,057 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,894 at Augustana University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Augustana University and Dakota State University?
Before aid, Dakota State University costs about $25,753 a year and Augustana University about $55,159. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Augustana University or Dakota State University?
Dakota State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,317 there, against about $18,746 at Augustana University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Augustana University or Dakota State University?
Dakota State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,071 undergraduates against 1,965 at Augustana University.
Does Augustana University or Dakota State University have a better graduation rate?
Augustana University has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 50% at Dakota State University.
Do graduates of Augustana University or Dakota State University earn more?
Augustana University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,217 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,970 for Dakota State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Augustana University and Dakota State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Augustana University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Dakota State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Augustana University and Dakota State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1150–1370 at Augustana University and 1190–1440 at Dakota State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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