Dakota State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
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.
⬡ LangSmith2c7bc0fc-03c8-477b-a932-ac6f23970d58Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Dakota State University facts and stats
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.
⬡ LangSmith9417c1e3-cf1f-4e94-953c-2f04bb138db1Madison, SD
How do your scores compare at Dakota State?
Key Dakota State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
—
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
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
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.
⬡ LangSmith769b7acd-f24d-44c9-a9fa-ef308bda13f9Want 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.
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.
⬡ LangSmith7ab911d8-126a-479e-b29c-c174383da8ea
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.
⬡ LangSmith17f26c6e-14af-4a30-947f-d7ea148fb51aStudent life at Dakota State University
41% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SDAcceptance rate: 96.3%
SAT: 980–1180
ACT: 18–24
Indiana University Kokomo
Kokomo, INAcceptance rate: 86.5%
ACT: 21–27
Kent State University at East Liverpool
East Liverpool, OHAcceptance rate: 87.4%
Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MOAcceptance rate: 97.1%
SAT: 1160–1440
ACT: 17–24
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