Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Graduate Tuition & Fees

With a graduate degree from DSU, you're investing in yourself. Change or advance your career with the confidence that your education will pay you dividends for a lifetime.

We're committed to making our grad programs affordable through a number of perks for SD and MN residents, National Guard members, certified teachers, and students who receive graduate assistantships.

Main campus Graduate university costs

Estimated based on a 9 credit hour semester enrollment:

South Dakota RESIDENTS MINNESOTA RECIPROCITY* NON-RESIDENTS
Est. Cost Per Semester $ 3,365.10 $ 5,492.25 $ 5,965.20
Est. Total Cost Per Year $ 6,730.20 $ 10,984.50 $ 11,930.40

Estimated graduate tuition and fees 2024-2025.
*Minnesota Reciprocity rates are effective through the summer 2025 term.

South Dakota State Employee Tuition Benefit: Eligible state employees working for the state of South Dakota can receive a tuition reduction for online or on-campus courses offered by Dakota State University. The reduction is equal to 50% of the resident undergraduate or graduate on-campus rate. Accepted students can take up to six credits a semester at this reduced rate.

South Dakota Advantage program
New graduate students entering on-campus programs from North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, and Missouri, who have an undergraduate degree from a SDBOR institution, qualify for the in-state tuition rate. The SD Advantage program allows students from the selected states the benefit of South Dakota resident tuition.

Child of Alumni Rate: Children of Dakota State University alumni may qualify to pay in-state tuition for their graduate degree if they recieved their undergraduate degree from Dakota State University. This rate pertains to a child of a parent or legal guardian who received a degree from Dakota State University.

For more information or to see if you qualify for tuition benefits, please contact Admissions at 88-DSU-9988 or admissions@dsu.edu.

Graduate tuition and fees

South Dakota Residents Minnesota Residents* NON-RESIDENTS
1 Credit Hour $ 373.90 $ 610.25 $ 662.80
2 Credit Hours $ 747.80 $ 1,220.50 $ 1,325.60
3 Credit Hours $ 1,121.70 $ 1,830.75 $ 1,988.40
4 Credit Hours $ 1,495.60 $ 2,441.00 $ 2,651.20
5 Credit Hours $ 1,869.50 $ 3,051.25 $ 3,314.00
6 Credit Hours $ 2,243.40 $ 3,661.50 $ 3,976.80
7 Credit Hours $ 2,617.30 $ 4,271.75 $ 4,639.60
8 Credit Hours $ 2,991.20 $ 4,882.00 $ 5,302.40
9 Credit Hours $ 3,365.10 $ 5,492.25 $ 5,965.20

Graduate Off-Campus - Non-Resident, Computer Science courses***
1 Credit Hour $ 470.45 $ 580.60
2 Credit Hours $ 940.90 $ 1,161.20
3 Credit Hours $ 1,411.35 $ 1,741.80
4 Credit Hours $ 1,881.80 $ 2,322.40
5 Credit Hours $ 2,352.25 $ 2,903.00
6 Credit Hours $ 2,822.70 $ 3,483.60
7 Credit Hours $ 3,293.15 $ 4,064.20
8 Credit Hours $ 3,763.60 $ 4,644.80
9 Credit Hours $ 4,234.05 $ 5,225.40

***Graduate Non-Resident Computer Science Courses: This rate is calculated for non-resident students taking online graduate courses. The total rate is the undergrad or grad rate plus a delivery fee of $110.15.

The fine print

You should know that additional fees may be assessed for special services or courses, and that fines may be assessed for failure to comply with university policies as stated in the DSU catalogs, student handbook, or other publications. The above schedule does not include all rates set by the Board of Regents. Special rates may apply to certain students.

“Investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Benjamin Franklin