Students at Dakota State University benefit from specialized technology training that leads directly to stable careers in computing and digital fields.
The university's focused mission and strong industry partnerships help graduates achieve solid financial outcomes with manageable debt levels.
Dakota State University is a small public technology-focused university in Madison, South Dakota, that specializes in preparing students for careers in computing and digital fields. While DSU serves a relatively selective student population—only about 16% receive Pell Grants and 28% are first-generation students—it delivers solid earnings outcomes for graduates who complete their programs.
Graduates earn a median of $50,970 ten years after enrollment, placing the university around the 59th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. The university's strength lies in its focused mission: nearly all of its top programs center on technology fields, from Computer Support Specialist to Artificial Intelligence, reflecting DSU's commitment to preparing students for the digital economy.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, DSU provides a pathway for students who gain admission to achieve reasonable financial outcomes, though it serves fewer low-income students than many public universities. For students who want specialized technology training in a small-college environment, DSU offers a clear value proposition with predictable costs and industry-relevant programs.
Dakota State University's program portfolio reflects its specialized mission as a technology-focused institution. Computer Support Specialist dominates with 102 graduates earning median salaries of $51,035, making it both the largest program and the highest aggregate return major. This program exemplifies DSU's strength in preparing students for immediate employment in IT support roles that are in high demand across industries.
Artificial Intelligence represents DSU's commitment to emerging technology fields, graduating 49 students who earn around $55,964 early in their careers. This program positions graduates at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing areas in technology, reflecting the university's ability to adapt its curriculum to industry trends and employer needs.
Even programs that might seem outside DSU's core technology mission, such as Adult and Continuing Education, connect to the university's digital focus and produce graduates earning around $39,153. The concentrated approach means students benefit from specialized facilities, industry partnerships, and faculty expertise that translate directly into career readiness and employment opportunities in South Dakota's growing technology sector.
Dakota State University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings, with a median of $50,970 ten years after enrollment. This performance places DSU around the 59th percentile nationally, reflecting the university's focus on technology fields that lead to stable, well-paying careers. While earnings don't significantly exceed expectations compared with similar institutions, graduates consistently find employment in growing sectors of the economy.
The university's program portfolio centers almost entirely on technology and computing fields. Computer Support Specialist, the largest program with 102 graduates, produces median earnings of $51,035 and represents DSU's highest aggregate return major. Artificial Intelligence, with 49 graduates earning around $55,964, demonstrates the university's commitment to emerging tech fields. Even programs like Adult and Continuing Education, which might seem outside DSU's core mission, still connect to the university's digital focus and produce graduates earning around $39,153.
DSU's concentrated approach to technology education means most students enter fields with clear career pathways and steady demand. The university's small size allows for close industry partnerships and hands-on training that translates directly into employment opportunities in South Dakota and beyond.
Dakota State University offers predictable and manageable pricing across income levels. Low-income students pay about $15,948 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $20,432 per year, and higher-income students pay approximately $21,121. These net prices place DSU roughly in the middle range nationally, making it an accessible option for families seeking specialized technology education.
Most students graduate with reasonable debt levels relative to their earning potential. Typical federal student loan debt is about $23,500, which aligns well with DSU's median graduate earnings of $50,970. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,100, a modest level that reflects the university's overall affordability approach. The combination of focused programs, reasonable costs, and solid earnings outcomes creates a sustainable financial picture for most DSU families.
Loan repayment patterns show that DSU graduates manage their debt effectively. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, and repayment trajectories indicate that borrowers make steady progress paying down balances over time, with many achieving full payoff within the standard repayment period.
Dakota State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
