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 (FY24)

  • Total headcount – 3,774, a 7.6% increase from FY23
  • Total graduate student headcount – 708 (18.8%  increase from FY24)
  • South Dakota resident students – 2,363 (62.6% increase from FY24)
  • Internet-only students (headcount) – 2,367 (62.7% increase from FY24)
  • Dual credit (high school students only) – 433 (11.5% increase from FY24)
  • Governors Cyber Academy – 65

Student body (FY24)

  • From 62 of 66 SD counties, 48 U.S. states, and 61 countries (excluding U.S.)
  • 471 Student-athletes in 13 sports
  • Average ACT score (all first-time undergrads) – 23.9
  • Placement in a job or graduate school after graduation from DSU 99.2% (class of 2023)
  • Residence hall occupancy – 95%

Enrollment by college (degree-seeking) (FY24)

  • 51.3% enrolled in programs of study at The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
  • 18.7% in the College of Business & Information Systems
  • 18.4% in the College of Education and Human Performance
  • 11.5% in the College of Arts & Sciences

Financial Aid

  • 71% of students receive financial aid with the average financial aid award at $10,549/year (FY24 data)

Majors

  • 46 degrees in four colleges and grad programs, including 9 associate, 25
    undergrad, 8 master’s, 4 doctoral
  • 37 certificates, from associate to doctoral levels
  • Over half of undergraduate and a majority of graduate programs offered online

Employees

  • 188 faculty, adjuncts, graduate assistants
  • 258 professional staff
  • 214 student employees

Budget

  • $65.5 million operating budget for FY25

Research

  • Over a dozen MadLabs® plus the Applied Research Lab, along with two institutes
  • Educational Partnership Agreements with the NSA, National Cryptologic
    University, and Army Cyber; MOU with Army Cyber Center of Excellence
  • Growing international research collaboration with AI Sweden and new agreement
    with an Australian university
  • Continuing medical research through CyberHealth Strategic Alliance with Sanford
    Health
  • Research expenses from sponsored grants & contracts $5.3M; total grants &
    contract expenses $9.9 million (FY24)

Additional facts

  • Student life includes 40+ special interest student clubs, professional organizations, and
    honor societies
  • Athletics includes 13 official sports teams, including esports, as well as developmental
    teams and intramural sports options. Member of the NAIA and NSAA
  • Summer education camps host hundreds of students of all ages at annual
    summer outreach GenCyber camps for co-ed high school students and middle
    school girls, camps in cyber espionage, career exploration, athletics, and camps for
    teachers, Native American high school students, and adult professionals
  • The DSU campus has 24 buildings on 78 acres

Data valid thru Summer 2025

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