University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) vs Dakota State

Nestled in the heart of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, South Dakota, stand as two distinct institutions of higher learning, each offering unique opportunities for students to pursue their academic aspirations. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. This side-by-side comparison delves into these differences, providing valuable insights to help prospective students make informed decisions about their educational journey. Whether you're drawn to UNK's higher acceptance rate or DSU's focus on STEM fields, this comprehensive analysis empowers you to find the institution that best aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.
Dakota State University logo

Dakota State University

University of Nebraska at Kearney logo

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Overview

Location Madison, South Dakota Kearney, Nebraska
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% 76.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 85.6% 90.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $20

Graduate: $35
Undergraduate: $45

Graduate: $45
SAT range 1000 - 1245 938 - 1133
ACT range 19 - 26 18 - 25
Students submitting SAT score 11.0% 4.0%
Students submitting ACT score 80.0% 86.0%
Total number of applicants 681 6,076
Total number of admissions given out 583 5,488
Admitted students who chose to enroll 366 958
Yield rate 62.8% 17.5%
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 Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $24,073

Out of state: $27,175
In state: $24,300

Out of state: $30,552
Average net price $17,572 $16,433
Tuition
In state: $7,616

Out of state: $10,718
In state: $6,292

Out of state: $12,498
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $4,116

Meal plan: $3,308
Room/dormitory: $5,436

Meal plan: $5,192
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

79.0%
Average amount $4,645
85.0%
Average amount $7,441
Students receiving federal student loan 58.0%
Average amount $4,987
45.0%
Average amount $4,821
Students taking out private loans 11.0%
Average amount $9,288
5.0%
Average amount $9,368

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,751
Men 60.9% Women 39.1%
4,427
Men 37.7% Women 62.3%
Graduate students 468
Men 74.8% Women 25.2%
1,848
Men 30.2% Women 69.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students N/A 9.9%
International students 4.5% 4.2%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity 925 2,072
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Nebraska Colorado Kansas Iowa Wyoming

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Education
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 46.8% 58.0%
Dropout rate 49.8% 11.4%
Transferred out N/A 28.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,983
  • Year 2: $51,035
  • Year 3: $66,125
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,841
  • Year 2: $39,369
  • Year 3: $46,318
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,973
  • Year 2: $55,964
  • Year 3: $44,718
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $41,205
  • Year 3: $44,370
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $43,878
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $39,153
  • Year 3: $38,114
Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,986
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: $31,143
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,122
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,967
  • Year 2: $55,964
  • Year 3: N/A
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,795
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: N/A
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,208
  • Year 2: $58,479
  • Year 3: $63,133
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $48,641
  • Year 3: $54,125
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,040
  • Year 2: $52,607
  • Year 3: $53,723
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,490
  • Year 2: $48,302
  • Year 3: $53,277
Biology, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,246
  • Year 2: $48,432
  • Year 3: $52,603
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,894
  • Year 2: $45,618
  • Year 3: $52,491
Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,665
  • Year 2: $48,432
  • Year 3: $51,898
Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,654
  • Year 2: $38,829
  • Year 3: $51,703
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,159
  • Year 2: $49,464
  • Year 3: $51,277
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,157
  • Year 2: $45,500
  • Year 3: $49,659

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