Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
Dakota State University is a public institution in Madison, South Dakota with 1,969 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $9,633 compared with a South Dakota nursing-school average of $14,097. The school reports a graduation rate of 49.3%, median earnings of $50,970, and median federal debt of $23,500.
$9,633 is lower than the state average of $14,097.
49.3% is lower than the state average of 54.1%.
$50,970 is higher than the state average of $47,164.
About Dakota State University
| Location | Madison, South Dakota |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | dsu.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $9,633 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $12,735 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,969 |
| Acceptance Rate | 97.9% |
| Graduation Rate | 49.3% |
| Retention Rate | 75.3% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $50,970 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,500 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $249 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 16.0% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 36.3% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
16.0% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 36.3% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Dakota State University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $38,532, while the reported median debt is $23,500 with an estimated monthly payment of $249. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (76.4%), followed by Hispanic students (5.2%) and Black students (4.1%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($50,970) divided by median debt ($23,500)