Cost and Aid
Cost-per-credit approach
While some schools may charge a half-time or full-time tuition rate with an expectation that you take on a certain number of credit hours, we take a different approach. You’ll pay as you go at DSU, giving you the freedom and flexibility to schedule your course load according to your life.
The cost-per-credit hour model at DSU means there are no fees for the services you won’t need. You won’t be paying for the gym you can’t get to, the activities you don't attend, or the on-campus classrooms you’ll never visit. Instead, you’ll be paying exclusively for your online education.
Note: Some DSU faculty do require the use of a face-to-face proctor for exams in online courses. If applicable, you will be responsible for any proctoring fees.
Online tuition by credit hour
| Undergrad | Undergrad, Non-Resident, Computer Science courses* | Undergrad, Active Military** | Graduate | Graduate, Non-Resident, Computer Science courses* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Credit Hour | $ 354.75 | $ 464.90 | $ 250.00 | $ 470.45 | $ 580.60 |
| 2 Credit Hours | $ 709.50 | $ 929.80 | $ 500.00 | $ 940.90 | $ 1,161.20 |
| 3 Credit Hours | $ 1,064.25 | $ 1,394.70 | $ 750.00 | $ 1,411.35 | $ 1,741.80 |
| 4 Credit Hours | $ 1,419.00 | $ 1,859.60 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,881.80 | $ 2,322.40 |
| 5 Credit Hours | $ 1,773.75 | $ 2,324.50 | $ 1,250.00 | $ 2,352.25 | $ 2,903.00 |
| 6 Credit Hours | $ 2,128.50 | $ 2,789.40 | $ 1,500.00 | $ 2,822.70 | $ 3,483.60 |
| 7 Credit Hours | $ 2,483.25 | $ 3,254.30 | $ 1,750.00 | $ 3,293.15 | $ 4,064.20 |
| 8 Credit Hours | $ 2,838.00 | $ 3,719.20 | $ 2,000.00 | $ 3,763.60 | $ 4,644.80 |
| 9 Credit Hours | $ 3,192.75 | $ 4,184.10 | $ 2,250.00 | $ 4,234.05 | $ 5,225.40 |
| 10 Credit Hours | $ 3,547.50 | $ 4,649.00 | $ 2,500.00 | $ 4,704.50 | $ 5,806.00 |
| 11 Credit Hours | $ 3,902.25 | $ 5,113.90 | $ 2,750.00 | $ 5,174.95 | $ 6,386.60 |
| 12 Credit Hours | $ 4,257.00 | $ 5,578.80 | $ 3,000.00 | $ 5,645.40 | $ 6,967.20 |
DSU Online, University Centers, and Dakota Digital Network (DDN)
*Undergrad and Grad NR CSC courses: This rate is calculated for non-resident students taking online undergrad and grad courses.
**Contact the Veteran's Affairs Office to apply.
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 on-campus rate. Accepted students can take up to six credits a semester at this reduced rate.
For more information or to see if you qualify for tuition benefits, please contact Admissions at 888-DSU-9988 admissions@dsu.edu.
Financial Aid for Online Learning
Financial aid is available to select online learners. Degree-seeking online students enrolled in at least six credit hours of coursework are eligible for federal aid, but you’ll first need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You need to complete a FAFSA in order to receive federal financial aid of any kind, including grants, work-study, and federal loans.
The process generally follows four simple steps:
- Complete the FAFSA online. Collect your income tax returns, W-2 forms and DSU’s FAFSA School Code (003463). We recommend using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to report your income tax figures
- Review your Student Aid Report (SAR). You’ll get your SAR once you complete the FAFSA. Review it and make any changes that need to be made. A completed SAR will contain your expected family contribution and it’s this number used to determine your federal student aid eligibility
- If you are selected for federal verification, you’ll receive information from the Enrollment Service Center in Vermillion, SD, on which forms to submit. Be sure to provide the requested documents as soon as you can
- If you are eligible for financial aid, we’ll send you an award letter packet. Complete, sign, and return it to us along with any other documents we request at that time