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Dakota State University vs South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Dakota State University is a public university in Madison, SD. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public university in Rapid City, SD. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology admits about 80% of applicants and Dakota State University about 88%, making South Dakota School of Mines and Technology the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,183 a year at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology after aid, and about $21,057 at Dakota State University. About 56% of students graduate at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, compared with 50% at Dakota State University. Ten years after enrolling, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology alumni earn a median of about $72,257, against $50,970 for Dakota State University.

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Dakota State University

Madison, SD · Public

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Madison, SD
Rapid City, SD
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,071
2,071
Acceptance rate
88%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1440
1140–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
24–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,057
$20,183
Full cost / yr
$25,753
$25,385
In-state tuition
$9,654
$10,500
Out-of-state tuition
$12,756
$14,900
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,317
$15,348
$30k - $48k
$18,792
$17,909
$48k - $75k
$19,165
$18,366
$75k - $110k
$22,601
$21,176
Over $110k
$23,269
$21,993
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
56%
Freshman retention
75%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,146
$62,863
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,970
$72,257
Median debt at graduation
$23,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
17%
First-generation students
28%
18%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 15

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 Dakota State University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology harder to get into?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 80% 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, Dakota State University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,183 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,057 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Dakota State University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
Before aid, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology costs about $25,385 a year and Dakota State University about $25,753. 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, Dakota State University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,348 there, against about $17,317 at Dakota State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Does Dakota State University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology have a better graduation rate?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 50% at Dakota State University.
Do graduates of Dakota State University or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology earn more?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $72,257 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,970 for Dakota State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Dakota State University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology require SAT or ACT scores?
Dakota State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Dakota State University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1440 at Dakota State University and 1140–1340 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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