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Dakota State University vs University of South Dakota

Dakota State University is a public university in Madison, SD. University of South Dakota is a public university in Vermillion, SD. Dakota State University admits about 88% of applicants and University of South Dakota about 99%, making Dakota State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,858 a year at University of South Dakota after aid, and about $21,057 at Dakota State University. About 61% of students graduate at University of South Dakota, compared with 50% at Dakota State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of South Dakota alumni earn a median of about $51,926, against $50,970 for Dakota State University.

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Dakota State University

Madison, SD · Public

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Madison, SD
Vermillion, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,071
5,439
Acceptance rate
88%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1440
1125–1315
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,057
$19,858
Full cost / yr
$25,753
$24,422
In-state tuition
$9,654
$9,432
Out-of-state tuition
$12,756
$12,942
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,317
$14,921
$30k - $48k
$18,792
$15,942
$48k - $75k
$19,165
$18,540
$75k - $110k
$22,601
$21,202
Over $110k
$23,269
$22,193
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
61%
Freshman retention
75%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,146
$46,290
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,970
$51,926
Median debt at graduation
$23,500
$23,592
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
19%
First-generation students
28%
24%
International students
6%
7%
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 Dakota State University or University of South Dakota harder to get into?
Dakota State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% of applicants, compared with 99% at University of South Dakota. 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 University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,858 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 University of South Dakota?
Before aid, University of South Dakota costs about $24,422 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 University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,921 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.
Which is bigger, Dakota State University or University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota is the larger of the two, with about 5,439 undergraduates against 2,071 at Dakota State University.
Does Dakota State University or University of South Dakota have a better graduation rate?
University of South Dakota has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 50% at Dakota State University.
Do graduates of Dakota State University or University of South Dakota earn more?
University of South Dakota alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,926 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 University of South Dakota require SAT or ACT scores?
Dakota State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of South Dakota is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Dakota State University and University of South Dakota look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1440 at Dakota State University and 1125–1315 at University of South Dakota. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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