Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Dickinson, North Dakota
60.1% Acceptance Rate
Dickinson State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
60.1%Acceptance Rate
3.11Avg GPA
1003Avg SAT
$20,155Annual Cost
$50,720Grad Salary
21.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
60.1%
Avg GPA
3.11
Avg SAT
1003
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
963–1033
Avg Net Price
$15,270
Need-Based Aid
21.8% receive Pell
Dickinson State University, founded in 1918, is North Dakota's premier teacher preparation institution with innovative programs in agriculture and digital media. The 110-acre campus features the Theodore Roosevelt Center and new STEM facilities. DSU's 'Blue Hawk Promise' guarantees internship or research experience for all students.
Dickinson State University Acceptance Rate
At 60.1%, admission to Dickinson State University is achievable for most students who meet the basic academic profile.
What DSU Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 60.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.11 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.91 – 3.10
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.66
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Dickinson State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Dickinson State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
DSU reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Priority scholarship varies by term) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
DSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at DSU is 3.11. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.81–3.11 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.31–3.51.DSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.11 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.91 – 3.10
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.71 – 2.90
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.70
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- GED applicants (post-2014) need a minimum score of 145 per North Dakota University System policy - DSU's only recognized high school equivalency test.
- No essay or test score required for general admission; overall acceptance rate around 37%, more selective than the "open state school" reputation suggests.
- Distinctive Agriculture and Technical Studies program includes new rodeo/equine facilities and a new meat processing certificate launched fall 2025.
- Participates in the Bakken U initiative (one of five NDUS schools) for energy-related fields, plus a Collaborative Student cross-enrollment program.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at DSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Dickinson State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Dickinson State University (DSU) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if DSU is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into DSU Without SAT or ACT?
DSU neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average. Otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
Dickinson State University Average SAT Score: 1003
The average SAT score of admitted students at Dickinson State University is 1003 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1003 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1033 SAT) to stand out. Below average? Dickinson State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 963, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at DSU. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1003 | 963 | 1033 |
Below 963, you're behind most admitted students; at 1033 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into Dickinson State University (DSU) with a 1050 SAT?
A 1050 SAT puts you ahead of most of DSU's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for DSU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Getting into DSU isn't the hard part. Building a solid academic foundation and securing aid early is where the real strategy lives.
Confirm your GED score clears DSU's specific threshold
GEDs completed after 2014 need a minimum score of 145 per North Dakota University System policy - a more specific bar than many expect from an "open" state school.
Reference DSU's rodeo/ag investments if that's your interest
A new indoor arena supports year-round equine/rodeo training, and a new meat processing certificate launched fall 2025. Name these specifically in Ag program applications or scholarship essays.
Use the Collaborative Student program for course flexibility
It lets you take classes at another NDUS institution while earning your degree at DSU - useful if a specific course isn't offered on the Dickinson campus in a given semester.
Check Bakken U eligibility for energy-related fields
DSU is one of five NDUS schools in this initiative supporting students in or entering energy-sector careers - a distinct funding/support track from general institutional scholarships.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes assume "open enrollment" state schools have uniformly loose standards. DSU's overall acceptance rate (37%) is more selective than its reputation suggests, and the GED score threshold (145 minimum) can catch equivalency-diploma applicants off guard.
DSU Profile
Full Name
Dickinson State University (DSU)
City
Dickinson
State
North Dakota
ZIP Code
58601-4896
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a DSU Degree Worth It?
Whether DSU is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $46,600, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.29%.
How much does a degree from DSU Cost?
The sticker price is $20,155/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $15,270.
21.8% of students receive a Pell Grant and 39.3% take federal loans at DSU. File your FAFSA early and list DSU as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a DSU Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $50,720. That's about 25% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Dickinson State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Kapolei, HI | 973 | 18 |
| Judson University | Elgin, IL | 985 | 20 |
| Rockford University | Rockford, IL | 984 | 20 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | 966 | 17 |
| St Luke's College | Sioux City, IA | 980 | 18 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Dickinson State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 1007 | 20 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | 1001 | 18 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | 994 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Dickinson State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
Degree Programs at DSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About DSU Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Dickinson State University run about $50,720 a year.
At about $20,155 a year, Dickinson State University is on the more affordable end.
Dickinson State University's Pell Grant rate of 21.8% sits below the national average. Merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 60.1%, Dickinson State University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Dickinson State University average a 3.11 GPA.
Dickinson State University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 2.81 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.71, Dickinson State University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Dickinson State University — aim above 1003, ideally within the 963–1033 range admitted students typically fall in.
Dickinson State University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The application fee is 35. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is Priority scholarship varies by term. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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