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

Fact Sheet

History

  • Founded as a teacher’s college in 1881
  • Technology focus added in 1984

Enrollment numbers (FA23)

  • Total headcount – 3,509
  • Total graduate student headcount – 558
  • South Dakota resident students – 2,149
  • Internet-only students (headcount) – 2,086
  • Dual credit (high school students only) – 419
  • Governors Cyber Academy – 56 

Student body (FA23)

  • From 64 of 66 SD counties, 50 U.S. states, and 27 countries
  • 541 Student-athletes in 13 sports
  • Average ACT score – 23.4
  • Placement in a job or graduate school after graduation from DSU 99.7% (class of 2022)
  • Residence hall occupancy – 97%

Enrollment by college (degree-seeking) (FA23)

  • 52% enrolled in programs of study at The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
  • 19% in the College of Business & Information Systems
  • 17% in the College of Education and Human Performance
  • 12% in the College of Arts & Sciences

Financial Aid

  • 71% of students receive financial aid with the average financial aid award at $9,572/year (FY23 data)

Majors

  • 44 degrees in four colleges: 9 associate, 24 undergrad, 7 master's, 4 doctoral
  • 38 certificates, from associate to doctoral levels
  • Over half of the undergraduate and all graduate programs are offered online

Employees

  • 170 faculty/adjuncts, graduate assistants
  • 257 FT/PT professional staff
  • 181 student employees

Budget

  • $63.2 million operating budget for FY24

Research

  • 14 MadLabs® plus the Applied Research Lab and two institutes
  • Educational Partnership Agreements with the NSA and Army Cyber
  • Growing international research collaboration with AI Sweden, including projects with Case New Holland; new agreements with two Australian universities
  • Continuing medical research through CyberHealth Strategic Alliance with Sandford Health
  • Faculty conducing research in numerous areas
  • Student projects result in professional opportunities for undergrads and graduate students
  • Research expenditures from sponsored grants and contracts $11.6 million in FY23

Additional facts

  • Student life includes 40+ student clubs, professional organizations, and honor societies.
  • Athletics includes 13 official sports teams, including esports; intramural sporting options; member of the NAIA and NSAA.
  • Summer education camps host hundreds of students of all ages at annual outreach summer GenCyber camps for teachers, co-ed high school students, and middle school girls. Also host athletics camps, youth entrepreneur and career exploration camps, and campus for adult professionals.
  • The DSU campus has 23 buildings on 78 acres

Economic impact

  • $137.4M in statewide impact; $82.4M in Lake County. $1.5M given back to the community in volunteer hours and donations
  • 62% of DSU alumni stay in South Dakota

Data valid thru Summer 2024

Economic impact of Dakota State University

Dakota State University contributes $137.4 million annually to the state's economy through its research, jobs, and local and tax impact, along with the university's students and visitors, according to a recent study.

Economic Impact Infographic