Dakota State University students walking around campus

Rise with us

DSU is a place where innovation meets opportunity. We are a nationally recognized leader in technology-driven education, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With hands-on learning experiences, expert faculty, and cutting-edge facilities, we prepare you for modern careers. Choose from a wide range of affordable, forward-thinking programs that allow you to shape your own path. Your future begins today.

Majors & Degrees

Undergraduate 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.

2026-2027 Academic Year Rates
2026-2027 undergraduate tuition rates take effect Fall 2026

On-campus undergraduate university costs - 15 credit hour enrollment

Fee Category SD Resident SD Advantage* Minnesota Reciprocity** Non-residents
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees $4,650.00 $5,314.50 $6,284.25
Wireless Computing Fee $435.35 $435.35 $435.35
Housing & Food Service*** $4,373.00 $4,373.00 $4,373.00
Est. Cost Per Semester $9,458.35 $10,122.85 $11,092.60
Est. Total Cost Per Year $18,916.70 $20,245.70 $22,185.20

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, Wyoming starting with the Summer 2019 term. Starting summer 2023, new freshmen and transfers from Illinois and Wisconsin are eligible for this rate. Starting summer 2024 new freshman and transfers from Kansas, Missouri, and Minnesota. 
**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 breakdown

Credit Hours Residents* Minnesota Reciprocity** Non-Residents
1 $310.00 $354.30 $418.95
2 $620.00 $708.60 $837.90
3 $930.00 $1,062.90 $1,256.85
4 $1,240.00 $1,417.20 $1,675.80
5 $1,550.00 $1,771.50 $2,094.75
6 $1,860.00 $2,125.80 $2,513.70
7 $2,170.00 $2,480.10 $2,932.65
8 $2,480.00 $2,834.40 $3,351.60
9 $2,790.00 $3,188.70 $3,770.55
10 $3,100.00 $3,543.00 $4,189.50
11 $3,410.00 $3,897.30 $4,608.45
12 $3,720.00 $4,251.60 $5,027.40
13 $4,030.00 $4,605.90 $5,446.35
14 $4,340.00 $4,960.20 $5,865.30
15 $4,650.00 $5,314.50 $6,284.25
16 $4,960.00 $5,668.80 $6,703.20

*SD Advantage: Eligible students for the resident rate include new freshman and transfers from Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming starting with the Summer 2019 term. New freshmen and transfers from Illinois and Wisconsin starting summer 2023.  New freshman and transfer from Kansas, Missouri and Minnesota starting summer 2024.

** Minnesota Reciprocity: Minnesota students enrolled in SDBOR institutions during the 2023-2024 academic year will continue to receive the equivalent of the Minnesota Reciprocity rate. First time undergrad Minnesota students will receive the SD Advantage rate.

Credits Undergrad Undergrad NR CSC Courses***
1 $373.80 $491.50
2 $747.60 $983.00
3 $1,121.40 $1,474.50
4 $1,495.20 $1,966.00
5 $1,869.00 $2,457.50
6 $2,242.80 $2,949.00
7 $2,616.60 $3,440.50
8 $2,990.40 $3,932.00
9 $3,364.20 $4,423.50
10 $3,738.00 $4,915.00
11 $4,111.80 $5,406.50
12 $4,485.60 $5,898.00
13 $4,859.40 $6,389.50
14 $5,233.20 $6,881.00
15 $5,607.00 $7,372.50
16 $5,980.80 $7,864.00

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 $117.70.

2026-2027 room rates

Residence Hall Cost
Double Occupancy $2,498.00
Single Occupancy $3,128.00
Double Occupancy-Higbie Hall $2,198.00
Single Occupancy-Higbie Hall $2,828.00
Apartments Double $3,023.00
Apartments Single $3,416.00
Courtyard Double $2,635.00
Courtyard Single $3,264.00
Courtyard Suite Double $2,937.00
Courtyard Suite Single $3,313.00
Residence Village Suite $3,387.00
Residence Village Apartment $3,630.00

Residence halls

2026-2027 meal plan rates

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.

Meal Plan Cost
Trojan Basic Plan ($400 in flex) $1,615.00
Dakota 145 ($250 in flex) $1,875.00
Dakota 225 ($150 in flex) $2,218.00
Big Blue ($100 in flex) $2,322.00
Trojan Upper Class (all flex) $1,147.00
Little Blue Univ. Apartments (all flex) $402.00

Estimate $500/semester

Course Cost per credit hour
Computer Science $77.80
Business $31.45
Math $17.55
Art, Music, & Theatre $17.00
Science $23.35
Exercise Science $22.10
Physics $22.70


Additional Fee Cost
Wireless Computing Fee $435.35
Vehicle (Annual Charge) $88.00
Vehicle Restricted (Annual Charge) $175.00
Vehicle Remote Housing (Annual Charge) $44.00

Wireless computing 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 $800. 
  • 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 undergraduate 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

Residence Life
Email
(605) 256-5146