Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Dickinson, North Dakota |
| Online | dickinsonstate.com |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Dickinson State University is located in the southwestern North Dakota city of Dickinson, situated in the Badlands region approximately 100 miles west of Bismarck. The public institution occupies a residential campus spanning 128 acres and serves as a primary higher education center for western North Dakota. The university maintains a comprehensive academic program with particular strength in business, education, and natural sciences, while also offering specialized programs in agriculture and energy resource management that reflect the region's economic priorities. Operating as part of the North Dakota University System, DSU provides on-campus housing in six residence halls and competes in NAIA athletics as the Blue Hawks. The campus features a mix of historic and modern facilities, including the May Hall, which was constructed in 1924 and serves as the university's main administrative building.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
DSU is rated within the lower 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Dickinson State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#657 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#218 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Colleges in North Dakota
#4 in Best Public Colleges in North Dakota
#5 in Best Value Colleges in North Dakota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 875/1130 |
| ACT | 16/21 |
| GPA | 3.11 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $35 |
Annual Cost to Attend
North Dakota Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,648 |
| Room and Board | $7,740 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $21,558 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,648 |
| Room and Board | $7,740 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $23,658 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 42% |
| Education | 10% |
| Communication | 9% |
| Health Professions | 9% |
| General Studies | 7% |
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=200059 IPEDS survey data for Dickinson State University.
Current students may use the Dickinson State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025