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

Tuition & Fees

Making college more affordable

Any type of education is an investment in your future—and DSU’s future-forward curriculum and public-school cost make it a smart investment from any angle.

We're committed to making sure that attending DSU is affordable for you. Check out our financial aid options and contact us with any questions you may have.

Main campus Undergraduate university costs - 15 credit hour enrollment

SD Resident

SD aDVANTAGE*

MINNESOTA RECIPROCITY** NON-RESIDENTS
Tuition & Fees $ 4,417.50 $ 5,047.80 $ 5,968.50
Wireless Computing Fee $ 398.75 $ 398.75 $ 398.75
Housing & Food Service*** $ 3,931.00 $ 3,931.00 $ 3,931.00
Est. Cost Per Semester $ 8,747.25 $ 9,377.55 $ 10,298.25
Est. Total Cost Per Year $ 17,494.50 $ 18,755.10 $ 20,596.50

Additional fees may be assessed for special services or courses. Fines may be assessed for failure to comply with University policies as stated in the DSU catalogs, student handbook, or other publications. This schedule does not include all rates set by the Board of Regents.

*New freshmen and transfers from Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming starting with the Summer 2019 term, and new freshmen and transfers from Wisconsin and Illinois starting the Fall 2023 term.
**Minnesota Reciprocity: Minnesota rates are effective through the summer 2023 term.
*** Housing & Food Service is based on a double occupancy room and the Dakota 145 meal plan.

South Dakota Advantage Program: New Freshman and transfer students from North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota*, Kansas*, and Missouri* qualify for the in-state tuition rate. The SD Advantage program allows students from the selected states the benefit of South Dakota resident tuition.
*Recently added states are eligible for the in-state tuition rate beginning the summer 2024 term.
Minnesota students currently enrolled in the BOR system will continue receiving the Minnesota reciprocity rate until graduation.

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.

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

Reduced Tuition - Persons 65 Years of Age and Older: Senior citizens who are residents of South Dakota are eligible to receive a reduced tuition rate. To qualify, you must be at least 65 years of age or will celebrate your 65th birthday during the calendar year of enrollment. The reduction in the cost of tuition is equal to 45%.

For more information or to see if you qualify for tuition benefits, please contact Admissions at 888-DSU-9988 or admissions@dsu.edu.

Undergraduate tuition and fees

SD Resident

SD Advantage*

Minnesota Residents** NON-RESIDENTS
1 Credit Hour $ 294.50 $ 336.52 $ 397.90
2 Credit Hours $ 589.00 $ 673.04 $ 795.80
3 Credit Hours $ 883.50 $ 1,009.56 $ 1,193.70
4 Credit Hours $ 1,178.00 $ 1,346.08 $ 1,591.60
5 Credit Hours $ 1,472.50 $ 1,682.60 $ 1,989.50
6 Credit Hours $ 1,767.00 $ 2,019.12 $ 2,387.40
7 Credit Hours $ 2,061.50 $ 2,355.64 $ 2,785.30
8 Credit Hours $ 2,356.00 $ 2,692.16 $ 3,183.20
9 Credit Hours $ 2,650.50 $ 3,028.68 $ 3,581.10
10 Credit Hours $ 2,945.00 $ 3,365.20 $ 3,979.00
11 Credit Hours $ 3,239.50 $ 3,701.72 $ 4,376.90
12 Credit Hours $ 3,534.00 $ 4,038.24 $ 4,774.80
13 Credit Hours $ 3,828.50 $ 4,374.76

$ 5,172.70

14 Credit Hours $ 4,123.00 $ 4,711.28 $ 5,570.60
15 Credit Hours $ 4,417.50 $ 5,047.80  $ 5,968.50
16 Credit Hours $ 4,712.00 $ 5,384.32 $ 6,366.40

* New freshmen and transfers from Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming starting with the Summer 2019 term, and new freshmen and transfers from Wisconsin and Illinois starting the Fall 2023 term.

** Minnesota Reciprocity: Minnesota rates are effective through the summer 2023 term.

University Centers, Internet (Online), DDN and Remedial** Course Rates

Off-Campus - Undergraduate Off-Campus - Non-Resident, Computer Science courses***
1 Credit Hour $ 354.75 $ 464.90
2 Credit Hours $ 709.50 $ 929.80
3 Credit Hours $ 1,064.25 $ 1,394.70
4 Credit Hours $ 1,419.00 $ 1,859.60
5 Credit Hours $ 1,773.75 $ 2,324.50
6 Credit Hours $ 2,128.50 $ 2,789.40
7 Credit Hours $ 2,483.25 $ 3,254.30
8 Credit Hours $ 2,838.00 $ 3,719.20
9 Credit Hours $ 3,192.75 $ 4,184.10
10 Credit Hours $ 3,547.50 $ 4,649.00
11 Credit Hours $ 3,902.25 $ 5,113.90
12 Credit Hours $ 4,257.00 $ 5,578.80

**Remedial classes charged at the self-support rate are MATH 021, 093, 095 and ENGL 033. Other remedial classes may be created as needed. All incoming degree-seeking students must take the Enhanced ACT or ACT COMPASS exam to evaluate math, reading, and writing skills. Students will be placed in remedial courses as needed based upon these exams. 
***Undergrad and Grad NR CSC Courses: This rate is calculated for non-resident students taking online undergrad and grad courses. The total rate is the undergrad or grad rate plus a delivery fee of $110.15.

2023-2024 room rates

Double Occupancy $ 2,260.00
Single Occupancy $ 2,830.00
8 Plex Apartments - Double $ 2,735.00
8 Plex Apartments - Single $ 3,090.00
Courtyard - Double $ 2,384.00
Courtyard - Single $ 2,953.00
Courtyard Suite - Double $ 2,657.00
Courtyard Suite - Single $ 2,997.00
Residence Village - 4-Bedroom Suite (private bedroom, shared living room) $ 3,065.00
Residence Village - 6-Bedroom Apartment (private room, shared living room and kitchen) $ 3,284.00

 

Residence halls

*Only students living in the Residence Village 6-person apartments are eligible for the Little Blue meal plan. All others may choose the Trojan Upper Class or another plan option of their choice.

First Year Big Blue Unlimited ($100 flex dollars) $ 2,054.00
First Year Dakota 145 ($250 flex dollars) $ 1,671.00
First Year Dakota 225 ($150 flex dollars) $ 1,966.00
Second Year Trojan Basic Plan ($400 flex dollars) $ 1,451.00
Third Year Trojan Upper Class ($500 flex dollars) $ 1,065.00
Fourth Year *Little Blue Univ. Apartments (all flex) $ 382.00

Art, Music, & Theatre $ 15.90
Business $ 30.35
Computer Science $ 70.55
Math $ 15.90
Science $ 21.20

Wireless Computing Fee***** $ 398.75
Parking - Tag Automobile (Annual) $ 76.00
Parking - Tag Automobile Restricted (Annual) $ 153.00

*****Fee includes tablet computer, wireless and wired access to university network, software and on campus support.

The fine print

Student working on a laptop
We use technology in all our classes to deliver a better academic environment and make our classrooms more exciting and interactive.

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.

  • Our wireless computing fee includes a laptop computer, wireless and wired access to the DSU network, various software, and on-campus tech support.
  • Books and supplies for an academic year are estimated at $1,200. Additional fees may be assessed for special services or courses - est. $1,000 per year.
  • Additional credit fees may apply to certain courses. Estimate an additional $500 per semester.

Estimate the cost before you apply

Estimate the future cost of a college education based on today's costs. We have a more detailed breakdown of our tuition and fees and an interactive net price calculator if you'd like to see more specific numbers.

Calculate the cost of Attendance

Contact Us

Cashier's Office
Heston Hall
Email
(605) 256-5271

Student Services Office
Email
(605) 256-5146