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Dakota State University and University of Sioux Falls are both public institutions — Dakota State University in Madison, SD and University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, SD. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Madison, SD · Public
Acceptance rate: 88.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,071
Tuition: $12,756/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 51.3%
Top programs: Computer science, Education, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Madison, SD with published program strength in Computer science and Education.
Sioux Falls, SD · Private
Acceptance rate: 82.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,218
Tuition: $21,750/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 62.9%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Sioux Falls, SD with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | Dakota State University | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 88.0% | 82.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1190–1440 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 20–27 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,071 | 1,218 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,756/year | $21,750/year |
| Average net price after aid | $21,057 | $21,383 |
| Graduation rate | 51.3% | 62.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $50,970 | $54,521 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 18.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Madison, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
| Largest program areas | Computer science, Education, Business and marketing | Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology |
University of Sioux Falls is more selective (82.9% vs 88.0% acceptance rate). Dakota State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($21,057 vs $21,383). University of Sioux Falls reports the higher graduation rate (62.9% vs 51.3%). Dakota State University is the larger undergraduate campus (2,071 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Dakota State University and University of Sioux Falls
Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 88.0%; University of Sioux Falls is around 82.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Dakota State University tuition is $12,756/year. University of Sioux Falls is $21,750/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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