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Kairos University and Dakota State University are both private nonprofit institutions — Kairos University in Sioux Falls, SD and Dakota State University in Madison, 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.
Sioux Falls, SD · Private
Acceptance rate: 84.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 82
Tuition: $3,600/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: Not reported
Top programs: Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Sioux Falls, SD with published program strength in Business and marketing.
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.
| Factor | Kairos University | Dakota State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 84.6% | 88.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported |
| 1190–1440 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 20–27 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 82 | 2,071 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $3,600/year | $12,756/year |
| Average net price after aid | Not reported | $21,057 |
| Graduation rate | Not reported | 51.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | Not reported | $50,970 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Location | Sioux Falls, SD | Madison, SD |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing | Computer science, Education, Business and marketing |
Kairos University is more selective (84.6% vs 88.0% acceptance rate). 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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Kairos University vs Northern State University
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Common questions when choosing between Kairos University and Dakota State University
Kairos University has an acceptance rate of 84.6%; Dakota State University is around 88.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Kairos University tuition is $3,600/year. Dakota State University is $12,756/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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