1881
Madison, SD

About Dakota State University

Dakota State University is a four-year, public institution offering technology-driven education in a student-centered environment.  An innovative curriculum prepares students to contribute advanced skills and knowledge to local, national, and global societies.  Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are supplemented by excellent teaching, research, technology resources, scholarship, and a commitment to service.  

Online associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are available through Dakota State University.  Programs include computer science, education, general studies, analytics, cyber defense, and more.  Online certificates are also available in a convenient and affordable academic format.  Courses are available completely online, making DSU a beneficial choice to the nontraditional or working adult student.

Accreditation & Licensing

Dakota State University is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Type:

4-year, Public

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 4,186 ; Graduate: 1,458

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 65% ; Graduate: 82%

Graduation Rate:

51%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$50,970

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$23,500

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

44%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$6,250

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Dakota State University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Art & Liberal Arts

Best Buy degree
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of General Studies

Business

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Associate of Science in Business Management
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Bachelor of Business Administration / Accounting
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Bachelor of Business Administration / Business Technology
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Bachelor of Business Administration / Finance
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Bachelor of Business Administration / Management
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Bachelor of Business Administration / Marketing
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Bachelor of Science in Professional Accountancy
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Master of Business Administration / General Management

Computer Science & IT

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Associate of Science in Network & Security Administration
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Associate of Science in Software Development
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Associate of Science in Web Development
Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Organizations
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Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science / Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science / Software Engineering
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Bachelor of Science in Network & Security Administration
Certificate in Data Analytics
Certificate in Network Services
Popular degree
Certificate in Software Development
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems
Graduate Certificate in Ethical Hacking
Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
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Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
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Master of Science in Computer Science
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Master of Science in Information Systems

Criminal Justice, Safety & Law

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Bachelor of Science in Cyber Leadership & Intelligence
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations
Certificate in Cybersecurity
Popular degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Defense
Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Operations
Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Science in Cyber Defense

Education

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Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Certificate in Teaching & Learning
Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Educational Technology

Healthcare

Associate of Science in Health Information Technology
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration
Popular degree
Certificate in Healthcare Coding
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Science in Health Informatics & Information Management

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GetEducated Team Takes
Tony’s Take

Dakota State University is mostly a positive pick. Classes feel personal and direct. Professors know students by name. Faculty communication is a clear strength.

Questions get answered fast, often within 24 hours. Online classes are easy to use. The format fits busy schedules well. The school is clearly tech-centered in daily coursework.

That makes DSU a good match for tech-focused learners. Cost is the main mixed area. Some pricing feels fair overall. But required tech costs can run high.

One reported computer package topped $3,000. Aid and admin flow can vary by case. The strongest DSU strengths are teaching access and online usability.

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Reviewed By GetEducated
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dakota State University

Is Dakota State University accredited?

Yes. Dakota State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How many online programs does Dakota State University offer?

Dakota State University offers 43 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does Dakota State University offer?

Dakota State University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.

How should students contact admissions at Dakota State University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is Dakota State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, Dakota State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at Dakota State University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask Dakota State University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most Dakota State University programs require?

GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.

Is Dakota State University military friendly?

Dakota State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.

How can students request information from Dakota State University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for Dakota State University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Official College Transcript(s), Essay/Writing Sample, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does Dakota State University accept life experience credit?

Dakota State University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.

Are Dakota State University programs fully online or mixed?

Dakota State University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.

What kinds of online programs does Dakota State University offer?

Dakota State University has online program options in areas such as Computer Science & IT, Business, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Education; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Do any Dakota State University programs have specialized accreditation?

Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Are any admission tests required for Dakota State University programs?

Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Dakota State University?

Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.

Do any Dakota State University programs have state authorization limitations?

State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at Dakota State University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Dakota State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare Dakota State University programs?

Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.

Featured Ranking Reports

Dakota State University is featured in 22 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

Dakota State University is located in South Dakota

South Dakota at a Glance:

State flag of SD
Pierre
886,667
77,116 sq mi
6
8
4
$8,900.00

Top Majors in South Dakota:

Top Incentives in South Dakota:

Top Career Pathways in South Dakota:

Agribusiness Management
  • Entry Level: Farm Manager ($45,000)
  • Mid Level: Agricultural Director ($75,000)
  • Senior Level: Operations Executive ($120,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Agricultural Business
  • Certifications: CCA, CPAg
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced