Is Dakota State University the best choice for you?

When students are deciding where to go to college many consider...
academic reputation , cost and financial aid, size , personal attention before enrollment , geographic setting , campus appearance , and opportunity to play sports.

Reputation: Employers value Dakota State graduates. More than 90% of recent DSU graduates who entered the workforce secured employment related to their degree. A number of our programs are consistently coming in with 100% placement! We are dedicated to our student's success!

A recent national survey shows that DSU students are significantly more satisfied than students at other four-year public universities that their university has a good reputation.

Reputation is based on quality. DSU students are significantly more satisfied in eleven out of twelve areas surveyed including instruction, student centeredness, recruitment and financial aid, safety and security, campus climate, concern for the individual, service, campus life, and responsiveness to diverse populations. DSU gives their students an opportunity to get involved on campus in a wide range of activities and organizations.

Survey results also indicate that DSU's technology is superior. The innovative and challenging computer technology that is important to tomorrow's leaders in computer science, education, business, health care and many other fields is just a few of many opportunities that DSU offers. Students in all majors learn how to use technology in their careers. Students get a portable tablet computer with wireless Internet access. They can even write on the computer screen with a special pen. This is called the wireless mobile computing initiative.

Cost & Financial Aid: "Value" is often used when describing Dakota State University's affordable education. About 85% of degree-seeking DSU students receive financial aid. More information is available about financial aid, scholarships and costs. [Link to the Check It Out Costs page].

Size: DSU's size of about 2,300 students is relatively small, so it's harder to get lost in a sea of faces. Small class sizes and a friendly atmosphere is something we pride ourselves upon. Survey data shows that DSU students are significantly more satisfied than other students:

"I can easily get involved in campus organizations."

Personal attention: DSU's commitment to personal attention does not end when you enroll. DSU students are significantly more satisfied than other students that "This institution shows concern for students as individuals," and "Faculty are usually available after class and during office hours."

Geographic setting: DSU is located in Madison, SD less than an hour northwest of Sioux Falls. The University is in the southern lakes region of the state, which offers excellent outdoor recreation. Dakota State is minutes from Lake Herman State Park and Walker's Point Recreation Area.

Madison offers various options for dining, shopping and entertainment. For fitness and other recreation, students can easily walk to Madison's fabulous Community Center.

Campus appearance:

DSU students are significantly more satisfied than other students that "On the whole, the campus is well maintained." You are invited to
visit campus
and see for yourself. Also, you can check out the virtual tour.

Opportunity to play sports: Thanks to DSU's relatively small size, a high percentage of students join intercollegiate athletic teams.

DSU students are significantly more satisfied than other students that:

DSU freshmen are significantly more likely than freshmen at other South Dakota schools to have exercised or participated in physical fitness activities.

DSU offers high quality recreation and fitness facilities and athletics.