Student Life
Make the most of every moment
We're a small school with big heart. Our campus is a warm, welcoming place that strengthens and enhances your educational experience. You get all the benefits of a close-knit school with the amenities of a world-class university.
DSU students work hard, but we have just as much fun. Our community of 3,000 plus students is active in athletics, academic teams, research, and clubs and organizations. From ultimate frisbee to anime, intramural sports to volunteer opportunities, there's a way to find your people.
FYRE (First Year Residence Experience)
Our signature program for first-year students is designed to help you transition to college life.
Academic teams
Apply your tech skills as part of a regionally and nationally competitive team challenged with programming, cyber defense, and more.
Living, learning, growing
We take a holistic approach to student life at DSU. The First-Year Experience (FYRE) program helps you transition to college. On-campus housing provides a supportive, safe, and comfortable home base. Our Counseling Center is your go-to for help with academic, mental health, and substance use counseling. We have dedicated staff to assist veterans, international students, and students with disabilities. There's even a new program, STRONG, tasked with supporting students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Wellness is a priority at DSU. We offer a number of fresh, healthy, and convenient dining options. If you want to get in some exercise, you can take a dip in the pool or shoot hoops with your membership to the on-campus Madison Community Center. Under the weather? Visit the Student Health Office nurse to treat minor illness or injury (rest assured, urgent or emergency care is nearby at Madison Regional Health).
Events
News
Honorary degree to be awarded at DSU’s spring commencement
Dakota State University will host their spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10. During the ceremony, commencement speaker, former South Dakota Governor and current Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, will be presented with an honorary degree of public service.
Dakota State University Foundation celebrates record-breaking success at DSUnite
Dakota State University Foundation hosted its annual DSUnite event on May 1, 2025, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Presented by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, the event raised a record-breaking $576,836 in support of student scholarships at Dakota State.
Tania Williams to serve as student speaker at DSU commencement
Tania Williams to serve as student speaker at DSU commencement. Williams is excited to share the message of ongoing learning opportunities with fellow graduates.