Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota State University vs University of Sioux Falls
Compare average net price ($21,057 at Dakota State University; $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls), ROI score (6.05 vs 6.37), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($50,970 vs $54,521), and admissions selectivity (88.1% acceptance at Dakota State University; 82.9% at University of Sioux Falls) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Dakota State University | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.05 | 6.37 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,057 ✓ | $21,383 |
| 4-year avg net price | $84,228 ✓ | $85,532 |
| In-state tuition | $9,654 | $21,750 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,756 | $21,750 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $50,970 | $54,521 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 88.1% | 82.9% |
| Graduation rate | 51.3% | 62.9% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 75.5% ✓ | 74.5% |
| Median debt | $23,500 | $23,249 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,071 | 1,218 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1215 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Dakota State University | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $17,317 ✓ | $18,145 |
| Family income $30–48k | $18,792 | $17,804 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $19,165 | $17,992 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $22,601 | $21,375 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,269 ✓ | $24,038 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Dakota State University | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.1% | 20.9% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 18.1% | 0.3% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 3.2% | 8.8% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 3.2% | 4.2% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 6.1% | 0.2% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 1.7% | 3.7% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 3.8% | 1.4% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 0.5% | 4.1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Dakota State University reports the lower average net price by $326 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $1,304 difference over four years ($84,228 vs $85,532).
University of Sioux Falls reports $3,551 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($54,521 vs $50,970). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 75.5% at Dakota State University and 74.5% at University of Sioux Falls. Median federal debt among completers is $23,500 vs $23,249, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
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Frequently asked
Dakota State University vs University of Sioux Falls, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Dakota State University is cheaper — average net price $21,057 per year vs $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls. The annual difference of $326 adds up to about $1,304 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Sioux Falls reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $54,521 vs $50,970 at Dakota State University. The gap in the federal data is $3,551. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Sioux Falls is more selective at 82.9% acceptance vs 88.1% at Dakota State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.