Public

Medium

Dakota State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1180 to 1410

ACT Range20 to 27

Average GPA3.49

Acceptance Rate88.1%

Dakota State admits most applicants, so your score strategy should focus on merit aid as much as admission. An ACT 24 or SAT 1090 meets the SDOS scholarship threshold, with awards ranging from $1,500 to $7,500, and aiming closer to the 20 to 27 ACT middle range can keep you competitive.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Dakota State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Dakota State University enrolls about 3,066 undergraduate students in a rural campus setting. Dakota State has a 76% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 52%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1.

Location

Madison, SD

Undergrad Enrollment3,066

Freshman Retention76%

SettingRural

Student to Faculty Ratio19:1

Graduation Rate52%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Dakota State?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

Unlock your future with Acely

Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.

Start your free trial

Key Dakota State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Not offered

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

—

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because Dakota State is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores or are aiming for the SDOS award, which starts at SAT 1090+ or ACT 24+. Take your first test by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes; a December retake should still arrive before the March 1 financial aid priority deadline.

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Dakota State University?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

What you'll actually pay

Dakota State’s in-state tuition is $7,616, while out-of-state tuition is $10,718. About 33% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,121. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

In-State Tuition$7,616

Out-of-State Tuition$10,718

Room and Board$8,260

Average Merit Award$5,121

Application Fee$20

Students on Aid33%

Average Aid Package$10,217

Average Debt at Grad$28,436

Out-of-state tuition at Dakota State is $10,718, while in-state tuition is $7,616; room and board is $8,260. About 33% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $10,217. Merit awards average $5,121 for recipients. Students graduate with an average debt of $28,436.