Madison, SD · Private University
Is Dakota State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$50,970
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,633
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,735
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$50,940
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.00x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
49.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$19,725
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Dakota State University graduates earn $5,970 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Dakota State University ranked by graduate earnings
82 graduates
21 graduates
65 graduates
21 graduates
30 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Dakota State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Dakota State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management: $72,059) and the lowest (Computer Software and Media Applications: $35,628) is $36,431/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and ManagementBest ROI | $72,059 | 5.7x |
| Information Science/Studies | $70,164 | 5.5x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $60,977 | 4.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,570 | 3.7x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $42,986 | 3.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,479 | 3.3x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities(1yr data) | $41,119 | 3.2x |
| Computer Software and Media ApplicationsLowest | $35,628 | 2.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Dakota State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $50,970 10 years after starting, $5,970 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.2 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.