Summary

Fall Enrollment: 1,410 (2024-2025)
Types of Degrees: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Certificate, Master's Degree, Post Bachelors
Number of Programs: 71
Average Class Size: 13
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1

Campus Life

Whether you are fresh out of high school, a transfer student, a working professional, or someone who wants to come back to finish your degree, you can choose the Dickinson State University that is right for you. At DSU, you will be supported and challenged as you explore new ideas and find your passion. More than 1400 students are enrolled at DSU from 34 states and territories and 18 countries

You will interact directly with your professors and have opportunities for learning both in and out of the classroom. Work alongside faculty conducting original research, participate in field trips and service learning projects, present at local, regional, and national conferences, and engage in active internships to explore your field of interest.

Dickinson State University offers a vibrant on-campus experience, including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, esports, football, golf, rodeo, softball, track and field, trap shooting, volleyball, wrestling, pep band, concert band, choir, and more.

DSU is a campus of champions. Our Blue Hawk teams were awarded the 2023 North Star Athletic Association’s Commissioners Cup as the best all-around athletics program, an accolade they achieved two out of the last three years. Our football team earned its 9th consecutive conference championship in the fall of 2023. We participated in the College National Finals Rodeo. DSU cheer placed fourth in the nation during the 2022 and 2023 competitions. Women’s track and field athletes have had considerable success, with individual national titles and a strong team showing in major events.

Students at DSU succeed on the field and in the classroom, where excellence is our standard. DSU showcases this excellence with a vibrant Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program.

Whatever your interests, the faculty and staff at Dickinson State will encourage and support your efforts.

Experience the Dickinson State magic by scheduling a campus visit today!

Location

Dickinson State University is conveniently located along Interstate 94, 1.5 hours west of the state capital of Bismarck. Dickinson is 36 miles east of the historic town of Medora. Medora is the future home of the $100 million Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located just outside Medora is home to bison, pronghorn, elk, white-tailed and mule deer, wild horses, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep. The Park offers visitors the opportunity to hike and play in one of the world’s most fascinating geological formations. Larger cities such as Fargo, ND; Billings, MT; and Rapid City, SD, are all within a half-day’s drive by car.

The Area

Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom. That’s why we provide you with many academic, cultural, and social events to enhance your education as you connect with and learn from your fellow students. The nearby Maah Daah Hey Trail offers a 144-mile non-motorized single track through the Badlands of North Dakota. You can explore nature while cross-country skiing or biking one of the many trails in Dickinson. Go fishing, boating, or lounge on the beach at Lake Patterson or drive the Enchanted Highway to see the larger-than-life metal sculptures. Enjoy the indoor pool, waterslides, rock climbing or ice skating at the West River Community and Ice Centers. Access to our world-class Community Center is provided for free if you live in one of the DSU residence halls.

Dickinson’s population has significantly increased in the last several years providing endless possibilities to students for internships, service, and job opportunities.

Accreditation

Dickinson State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent corporation that accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region. DSU also holds many additional department specific accreditations.

2024-25 Academic Year Costs

TUITION & FEES:* $7,470

ROOM & BOARD:** $8,992

* Full-time resident rates at 30 credits for the academic year.
** Based on a double room and 7-day all-access dining plan.

Scholarships

Dickinson State University’s strong support from the DSU Heritage Foundation provides students with more than $1.3 million in scholarships each year. DSU also offers a wide array of academic and athletic institutional scholarship and waiver options for prospective and current high-performing and historically underrepresented students. We are proud of our Presidential Scholarship Award, which waives up to $2,000 in annual tuition costs for qualified new students. In 2024, DSU created the Blue Hawk Promise Scholarship, providing free tuition access to academic programming to students in need. Find out more about all our scholarships and waivers at www.dickinsonstate.edu/scholarships.

Priority Deadlines

ADMISSION: Rolling Admission with priority for Fall Semester: August 1, Spring Semester: December 15

SCHOLARSHIPS: Priority February 15

FINANCIAL AID: April 15

FAFSA Early application is encouraged. Application is available October 1.

DSU Course Offerings

Every good opportunity starts with a plan. Dickinson State University offers more than 80 academic programs from certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Between four academic Schools, including the Schools of Applied Science, Business and Entrepreneurship, Education, and Professional Studies, you are sure to find a degree that fits your educational goals. The recently launched Masters of Business Administration, Sport Administration, and Education in Elementary Education and Education Leadership, offer students the ability to pursue an affordable, high-quality program with a flexible schedule and degree path. Our programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and are offered on campus in Dickinson, online synchronously and asynchronously, and at our Bismarck and Williston locations. Our student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, ensuring your faculty know you—and you know your faculty. To view a complete list of departments, programs, and certificates, please visit www.dickinsonstate.edu/programs.

Admission Requirements

High school graduates or persons who have completed a GED may apply, with applicants who have received a GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher receiving preference. Students may also submit an (optional) ACT or SAT score, which will potentially provide opportunities for additional scholarship awards. As a North Dakota University System institution, DSU is allowed to waive the ACT/SAT requirements for the purpose of making admission decisions.

Why Choose DSU

Are you interested in criminal justice, education, business, nursing, fire science, welding, diesel technology, or athletics? As a student at DSU, you will have the opportunity to participate in over 35 student clubs and organizations or compete as a member of our championship-winning athletic programs. DSU offers six master’s degrees, in addition to bachelor’s, associate degrees, and certificates. DSU is a quality, affordable option, regardless if you are taking classes on-campus or online. At Dickinson State University, your opportunities are endless.

DSU - Why Choose DSU

Ashlin Hiller

Ashlin Hiller '23

Elementary Education

The reason that DSU is such an amazing place to get both your undergraduate and graduate degrees is because of the accessibility for remote students. The reason that I picked DSU over in-state schools was the fact that I was able to transfer all my credits from my previous school to DSU; while at other institutions I was not able to.

The best part of the DSU Education Program was the ability to be able to complete the courses and receive my degree from over 10 hours away from campus. Another reason that I chose DSU was because of its affordability. I was still able to receive in-state tuition. All the professors that I had during my time at DSU were understanding and easy to get in contact with if I ever had any questions. They were amazing at including me and other online students in class discussions, which was so helpful and made me feel seen as a student of the class. I loved being part of the DSU School of Education and will always recommend it to anyone who is thinking about becoming a teacher. I am so grateful for the people who were part of the education I received and will continue to receive during my time as a graduate student at DSU.

With the current state of our country and the need for teachers, DSU is doing all it can to make it accessible for everyone to earn their degree, no matter where they are from or what they are doing. The program is mapped out and can be modified to anyone's life. I hope the word continues to spread about how simple DSU has made it for everyone to work toward their teaching degree.

DSU

Dickinson State University

291 Campus Drive
Dickinson, ND 58601
701.502.4390
800.279.HAWK
www.dickinsonstate.edu
dsu.hawk@dickinsonstate.edu

Admissions

Ryan Sigler
701.502.4058
ryan.sigler@dickinsonstate.edu

Financial Aid

Christopher Meek
701.502.4301
christopher.meek@dickinsonstate.edu

Student Services

Kayla Noah
701.502.4359
kayla.noah@dickinsonstate.edu