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Madison, South Dakota · Public, town campus

Dakota State University SAT & ACT scores

Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 1190-1440. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 20-27. Dakota State University admitted 88% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).

SAT middle 50%
1190-1440
ACT middle 50%
20-27
Acceptance rate
88%
Test policy, fall 2024
Test-optional
Undergraduates
2,071

Quick answer

What SAT score do you need for Dakota State University?

There is no published minimum. Aim for 1440 or higher to sit in the top quarter of Dakota State University's SAT submitters; 1190 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 81% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.

Score check

Where does your score land at Dakota State University?

The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.

Fall 2024 entering class

Dakota State University SAT and ACT score ranges

Score percentiles of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores
Measure25th percentile50th percentile75th percentile
SAT Reading and Writing570620680
SAT Math620700760
SAT total (estimated)119013201440
ACT composite202427

Math runs higher than Reading and Writing here: the top quarter of submitters starts at 760 in Math but 680 in Reading and Writing.

College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1215.

Testing policy

Does Dakota State University require the SAT or ACT?

Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional

Dakota State University told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.

Check the current cycle

Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on Dakota State University's website before deciding whether to submit.

Beyond scores

Cost and outcomes at Dakota State University

In-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$9,654
Out-of-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$12,756
Average net price after aid (2023-24)
$21,057
First-year retention rate
76%
Graduation rate within 6 years
51%
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$50,970

Compare

Colleges with similar score ranges

Auburn UniversityAL · SAT 1260-1390Clemson UniversitySC · SAT 1240-1410University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyMD · SAT 1240-1420University of Southern MississippiMS · ACT 20-29The University of MontanaMT · ACT 23-28University of DenverCO · SAT 1240-1410

Similar colleges in South Dakota

Augustana UniversitySAT 1150-1370Mount Marty UniversityACT 18-25South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologySAT 1140-1340University of South DakotaSAT 1125-1315South Dakota State UniversitySAT 1060-1240Black Hills State UniversitySAT 965-1135

Browse all South Dakota colleges by SAT score, colleges for a 1200 SAT or a 1450 SAT, or colleges for a 20 ACT.

Plan your prep

Turn a target score into a plan

What is a good SAT score?Build your SAT study planSAT section-score goal plannerScore Choice and superscoring

FAQ

Dakota State University admissions questions

What SAT score do you need to get into Dakota State University?

Dakota State University does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 1190 and 1440 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1440 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 1190 marks the bottom quarter.

What ACT score do you need for Dakota State University?

Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 20 to 27, with a median of 24. Scoring 27 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.

Does Dakota State University require the SAT or ACT?

For fall 2024 entry, Dakota State University reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on Dakota State University's admissions website before you apply.

What is Dakota State University's acceptance rate?

Dakota State University admitted 88% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from

Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.

Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.

Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.

Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].