Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota · Public · 88.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 43/100 · Poor Value
Dakota State University is a small public institution in Madison, South Dakota, enrolling approximately 2,071 students with a distinctive focus on cybersecurity and information technology. Its overall ROI score of 43 — Poor Value — seems at odds with strong technology program outcomes but reflects a low aggregate earnings premium subscore (38), a 14-year payback period, and a high net price for a regional public at $21,057. The institution's technology focus creates meaningful asymmetry: computer science and IT administration graduates earn $58,000–$63,000 one year out, while the institution-wide median of $35,400 is dragged down by lower-earning programs. The 51% completion rate is mediocre and the 86% three-year repayment rate is the institution's strongest metric, suggesting that students who borrow and graduate — particularly in tech — manage their debt responsibly. DSU's national designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by NSA and DHS gives its technology programs genuine credentialing value.
The data raises concerns about Dakota State University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score43/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
Dakota State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,654/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $12,756/yr |
| Average net price | $21,057/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $84,228 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,970 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $35,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $249 |
| Estimated payback period | 14 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 51.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,071 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Dakota State University is $9,654/year ($12,756/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $21,057/year, or roughly $84,228 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,317/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,269/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $249 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $50,970 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.66 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,317 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,792 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,165 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,601 |
| $110,001+ | $23,269 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students from families earning under $30,000 face a net price of $17,317 — higher than expected for a regional public, reflecting DSU's cost structure. At this price, technology program graduates have a reasonable payback trajectory of seven to eight years based on CS earnings. Non-technology students in this bracket face a longer road and should compare Black Hills State University or the University of South Dakota, which may offer lower effective net prices.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income students ($48,001–$75,000) pay $19,165 in net price. The institution's strong repayment rate (86% at three years) suggests that graduates across programs are managing debt, even in lower-earning fields. Technology students in this income tier face an excellent return; education and business students face a less compelling but still serviceable investment.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income students ($110,000-plus) pay $23,269 — higher than many South Dakota public peers. At this price, the technology ROI case is still sound, but families should compare DSU's net price against the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State, which offer broader programs at similar or lower costs and may better serve non-technology students.
Earnings by Major
Top 8 most popular majors at Dakota State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $78,637 | B |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $85,696 | B |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $42,513 | F |
| Information Science | $56,991 | C+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $41,119 | D |
| Teacher Education | $48,997 | C |
| Special Education and Teaching | $46,095 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,841 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences is DSU's anchor program with 62 graduates annually. One-year median earnings of $61,287 and four-year earnings of $85,696 are strong for a public institution in South Dakota. Against $23,000 in median debt, the ratio of 0.38 earns a B grade. Graduates benefit from DSU's NSA cybersecurity designation, which provides federal and defense contractor hiring pipelines not available at most regional public universities.
Computer/Information Technology Administration
IT Administration is DSU's largest tracked program with 119 graduates. One-year earnings of $58,166 and four-year earnings of $78,637 are solid. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 earns a B grade. This program directly addresses enterprise IT and network administration roles, with South Dakota's growing financial services and insurance technology sector providing regional employment demand. Graduates entering cybersecurity operations or network management find immediate job placement.
Information Science
Information Science graduates earn $63,636 one year out — slightly above the CS program's early earnings. Against $29,318 in median debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 earns a C+ grade. Four-year earnings of $56,991 are oddly lower than year-one, suggesting data volatility in a small cohort of 19 graduates. Students should treat four-year figures cautiously and focus on the strong initial placement earnings.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education graduates earn $46,627 one year out, plateauing near $48,997 at four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 earns a C grade. Teaching careers offer stability in South Dakota's rural school systems. At DSU's net price, the financial return for education majors is weaker than for technology students, but the program serves an important regional workforce need.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 83.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 85.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 73.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 79.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 88.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 620-760 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 570-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-27 |
| Enrollment | 2,071 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 16.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,954 |
DSU admitted 88% of applicants with an SAT math mid-range of 620–760 and reading of 570–680, with ACT composite of 20–27. The strong SAT math range is notable for a public institution with an 88% admit rate — it reflects a self-selecting technology-oriented applicant pool rather than selective gatekeeping. Students targeting cybersecurity programs should prioritize strong math and logic backgrounds.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
DSU's listed peers include Black Hills State, Northern State, and Wayne State College — all small regional public institutions in the northern Plains. None share DSU's cybersecurity focus or NSA designation, making direct comparison on technology outcomes impractical. For cybersecurity students nationally, DSU competes with UMBC, Purdue Fort Wayne, and other NSA-designated public institutions. Its technology program outcomes are competitive within that national peer group; its overall ROI score of 43 is depressed by non-technology programs and a high effective net price for a rural regional public.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota State University (this school) | 43 | $21,057 | $50,970 |
| Wayne State College | 46 | $15,360 | $47,075 |
| University of Wisconsin-Superior | 45 | $12,220 | $49,606 |
| Northern State University | 41 | $15,812 | $47,618 |
| Lewis-Clark State College | 37 | $15,635 | $46,001 |
| Black Hills State University | 31 | $15,911 | $46,674 |
Who Thrives Here
DSU is a strong choice for students specifically committed to cybersecurity, IT administration, or computer science who want a public university price with a niche institutional identity. The 88% admission rate signals open access. With just 17% Pell recipients, the student body skews toward middle- and upper-income households. SAT math mid-range of 620–760 reflects a technically strong incoming class relative to enrollment size. Students outside the technology track face weaker financial outcomes and should evaluate whether DSU's rural South Dakota setting and limited non-tech program depth suit their goals.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Dakota State University. With a net cost of $21,057 per year and median graduate earnings of only $50,970 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 14 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Key strengths include high loan repayment success. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost and a 51.3% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and a long payback period.
Median debt of $23,500 against $50,970 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
NewsletterCollege decisions are better with data.
New analyses, updated school profiles, and tools - when there’s something worth acting on.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.