Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Dakota State University

Madison, SD

Total Enrollment

3,508

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

73 programs

Full-Time Students

1,533

1,417 part-time

Total FTE

2,185

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

19:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

663

Total Recent Graduates

Dakota State University serves 3,508 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 73 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 1,533 (52.0%)

52.0%

Part-Time Students 1,417 (48.0%)

48.0%

Total Students 2,950

Balanced mix of full-time (52.0%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (43.7%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

36.5%

1,279 students

Men

63.5%

2,229 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

74.6%

2,618 students

White

74.6% (2,618)

International Students

6.0% (212)

Black/African American

4.6% (160)

Hispanic/Latino

4.5% (159)

Asian

3.0% (104)

Two or More Races

2.9% (101)

American Indian/Alaska Native

1.3% (47)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.3% (11)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly male (64%) across 3,508 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 75% of the student body (2,618 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Men comprise 64% of the student body.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

2,950 students

61% Men, 39% Women

1,533 Full-time 1,417 Part-time

Diversity Index: 36% • Minority Students: 12%

Graduate students

558 students

76% Men, 24% Women

117 Full-time 441 Part-time

Diversity Index: 70% • Minority Students: 25%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,650

All full-time students

1,121 men, 529 women

Diversity: 44%

FT Undergraduate

1,533

Full-time undergraduate

1,029 men, 504 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,508

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

1,025 men, 483 women

Diversity: 41%

FT First-Time

387

Full-time first-time students

272 men, 115 women

Diversity: 44%

FT Continuing

1,121

Full-time continuing students

753 men, 368 women

Diversity: 40%

FT Transfer

177

Full-time transfer students

93 men, 84 women

Diversity: 50%

FT Continuing

944

Full-time other continuing

660 men, 284 women

Diversity: 38%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

4 men, 21 women

Diversity: 22%

FT Graduate

117

Full-time graduate students

92 men, 25 women

Diversity: 68%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

1,858

All part-time students

1,108 men, 750 women

Diversity: 43%

PT Undergraduate

1,417

Part-time undergraduate

777 men, 640 women

Diversity: 30%

PT Degree-Seeking

461

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

314 men, 147 women

Diversity: 40%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

Diversity: 0%

PT Continuing

456

Part-time continuing students

309 men, 147 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

37 men, 28 women

Diversity: 42%

PT Continuing

391

Part-time other continuing

272 men, 119 women

Diversity: 40%

PT Non-Degree

956

Part-time non-degree seeking

463 men, 493 women

Diversity: 25%

PT Graduate

441

Part-time graduate students

331 men, 110 women

Diversity: 70%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

2,354

White

Black/African American

132

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 36% Minority Students: 12%

Graduate students

264

White

Black/African American

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

125

International

Diversity Index: 70% Minority Students: 25%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Dakota State University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Dakota State University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 3,508 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 2,185 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (65% exclusively online).

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (19:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

6052565111

Address

820 N Washington Ave

Madison, SD 57042-1799

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials