Dickinson State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Dickinson State is test-optional, but a 37% acceptance rate means you should not treat scores as irrelevant. If your GPA is around the 3.27 average, a strong SAT or ACT score can add academic evidence and make your application more competitive.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Dickinson State University facts and stats
Dickinson State University enrolls about 1,339 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Dickinson State has a freshman retention rate of 67% and a 6-year graduation rate of 51%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1.
Dickinson, ND
How does your GPA compare at Dickinson State?

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Key Dickinson State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to Dickinson State, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and a fall test date for retakes or superscoring. Because Dickinson State does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, check your regular admission deadline and make your final fall retake the last test date that will send scores in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Dickinson State is a public university with in-state tuition of $7,770 and out-of-state tuition of $9,960. About 45% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $1,675. Submit the FAFSA by the April 15 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

At Dickinson State, out-of-state tuition is $9,960, with in-state tuition at $7,770; room and board adds about $8,923. Financial aid can make a meaningful difference, with 45% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $12,751. The average merit award is $1,675, so students should compare scholarship offers alongside need-based aid. Graduates leave with an average debt of $23,594.
Student life at Dickinson State University
28% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
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Bismarck, NDAcceptance rate: 86.7%
ACT: 16–22
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University of Jamestown
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Lake Region State College
Devils Lake, NDReady to fit Dickinson State University's core benchmarks?
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