Dakota State vs South Dakota University
Dakota State University and University of South Dakota, both esteemed institutions in South Dakota, offer distinct educational experiences. Dakota State, known for its focus on technology and cyber security, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community. In contrast, University of South Dakota, with its diverse academic offerings and NCAA Division I athletics, attracts a larger student population and offers a more comprehensive range of majors. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, their unique strengths and characteristics cater to different student preferences and aspirations. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
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![]() Dakota State University |
![]() University of South Dakota |
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Overview |
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Location | Madison, South Dakota | Vermillion, South Dakota |
Campus setting | Town: Distant | Town: Distant |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 72.0% | 77.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 85.6% | 87.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
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Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
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SAT range | 1000 - 1245 | 1050 - 1290 |
ACT range | 19 - 26 | 19 - 25 |
Students submitting SAT score | 11.0% | 3.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 80.0% | 80.0% |
Total number of applicants | 681 | 4,272 |
Total number of admissions given out | 583 | 3,717 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 366 | 1,233 |
Yield rate | 62.8% | 33.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$24,073
Out of state:
$27,175
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In state:
$25,657
Out of state:
$29,167
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Average net price | $17,572 | $18,974 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,616
Out of state:
$10,718
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In state:
$7,773
Out of state:
$11,283
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,116
Meal plan:
$3,308
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Room/dormitory:
$4,366
Meal plan:
$4,234
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
79.0%
Average amount $4,645 |
84.0%
Average amount $5,196 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
58.0%
Average amount $4,987 |
60.0%
Average amount $5,102 |
Students taking out private loans |
11.0%
Average amount $9,288 |
14.0%
Average amount $9,890 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
2,751
Men 60.9% Women 39.1% |
6,987
Men 35.9% Women 64.1% |
Graduate students |
468
Men 74.8% Women 25.2% |
2,477
Men 37.2% Women 62.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Very Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 39.4% |
International students | 4.5% | 2.7% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Distant | Town: Distant |
Dormitory capacity | 925 | 2,154 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | South Dakota Iowa Nebraska Minnesota Wisconsin |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 18:1 | 14:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 46.8% | 60.1% |
Dropout rate | 49.8% | 14.2% |
Transferred out | N/A | 24.5% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
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Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
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