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.

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Is DSU the right fit for you?

Even the best brochures and postcards (and yes, even websites) can only tell you so much about a college. The only surefire way to know if DSU is right for you is to see for yourself.

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Home ― About DSU ― Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet

History

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

Enrollment numbers (FA22)

  • Total headcount – 3,241
  • Total graduate student headcount – 484
  • South Dakota resident students – 1,965
  • Internet-only students (headcount) – 1,772
  • Dual credit (high school students only) – 237

Student body (FA22)

  • From 64 of 66 SD counties, 49 U.S. states, and 52 countries
  • 501 Student-athletes in 13 sports
  • Average ACT score – 23.1
  • Placement in a job or graduate school after graduation from DSU 99% (latest graduating class)
  • Residence hall occupancy – 93%

Enrollment by college (degree-seeking) (FA22)

  • 53% enrolled in programs of study at The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
  • 19% in the College of Business & Information Systems
  • 15% in the College of Education
  • 14% in the College of Arts & Sciences

Financial Aid

  • 76% of students receive financial aid with the average financial aid award at $9,861/year (FY21 data)

Majors

  • 24 bachelor’s degrees in four colleges, 4 Ph.D., 7 M.S. programs, and 9 associates
  • Over half of the undergraduate and all graduate programs are offered online

Employees

  • 155 faculty/adjuncts, graduate assistants
  • 246 FT/PT professional staff
  • 178 student employees

Budget

  • $59.7 million operating budget for FY23

Research

  • 17 MadLabs® and Applied Research Lab
  • Provisional patents granted in 2021, and 2022
  • Began research collaboration with AI Sweden; alfalfa research; student projects result in conference opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students
  • Research expenditures from sponsored grants and contracts $8.9M in FY22

Additional facts

  • Student life includes 36+ student clubs, also professional organizations
  • 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
  • The DSU campus has 24 buildings on 62 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
  • 60% of DSU alumni stay in South Dakota

Data valid thru Summer 2023

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