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South Dakota State University and Dakota State University are both public institutions — South Dakota State University in Brookings, 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.
Brookings, SD · Public
Acceptance rate: 98.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 9,198
Tuition: $12,809/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 62.4%
Top programs: Health professions, Agriculture, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Brookings, SD with published program strength in Health professions and Agriculture.
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 | South Dakota State University | Dakota State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 98.3% | 88.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1060–1240 |
| 1190–1440 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 19–25 | 20–27 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 9,198 | 2,071 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,809/year | $12,756/year |
| Average net price after aid | $19,841 | $21,057 |
| Graduation rate | 62.4% | 51.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $55,070 | $50,970 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Brookings, SD | Madison, SD |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Agriculture, Business and marketing | Computer science, Education, Business and marketing |
Dakota State University is more selective (88.0% vs 98.3% acceptance rate). South Dakota State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($19,841 vs $21,057). South Dakota State University reports the higher graduation rate (62.4% vs 51.3%). South Dakota State University is the larger undergraduate campus (9,198 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 South Dakota State University and Dakota State University
South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98.3%; Dakota State University is around 88.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
South Dakota State University tuition is $12,809/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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