Please type at least the first 4 letters of the school name.

Dakota State University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Dakota State University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Dakota State University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Dakota State University reviews, or contribute your own Dakota State University review if you're a current student there.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Cera from Sioux Falls, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    With so much of our society becoming dependent on the use of computers in the work place, I am happy that I chose a college in which computer usage is a primary part of the curriculum. Going into education I had not really thought about needing computer skills outside of typing a Word document, but because of the focus on computers I am learning interesting new ways to use a computer in my classroom to ensure my students getting the most out of what I will teach them. Small classroom numbers make learning easy as we get to know our professors and classmates on a more personal question. The small numbers make it easy to ask questions and makes approaching professors outside of class less intimidating because they know who you are.

    Am enjoying being here

    DSU has somewhat of a small town mentality. It does not take long to get to know students or staff on campus, it's one of those schools where you pretty much recognize everyone either by name or face. I love that I get to know my professors and they in turn are able to get to know me by name. The staff and students on campus have great relationships that keep DSU a close knit community.

    Bang for the buck

    With all the technology you are provided here, such as computers including Microsoft Office, wireless internet access all over campus, and projectors in every classroom, DSU takes your tuition and creates a unique advanced learning environment.

    Tips for prospective students

    Do not let campus size or enrollment numbers scare you away, there is plenty of activities and fun to be had both on and off campus.

    Great for these types of students

    Great for students who have an interest in integrating computers and technology into their careers. Individuals who like small friendly campuses.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Chasity from Parkston, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    DSU is an amazing school. The technology is phenomenal. Computers and technology are a part of everyday life in these changing times. The faculty understand this and give us the most up-to-date information to better us. They want you to succeed and do everything they can to help you.

    Am enjoying being here

    I love being here. Not only because of the schooling, but also because of the people and environment. It's so easy to make friends and before long these friends turn into a big family. There's always someone to talk to and something to do. There's something for everyone to get involved in and enjoy.

    Bang for the buck

    School may be expensive, but it's totally worth it! You get the best education you can, professors who are always there for you, and friendships that will last a lifetime. You can't put a price tag on that kind of happiness.

    Tips for prospective students

    The school may seem smaller than most, but it feels so much more like home that way. You always see someone you know which makes it less lonely. Don't be afraid to go out there and have a good time, put yourself out there - you won't be sorry.

    Great for these types of students

    Anyone willing to take a chance, willing to have fun, and wanting to better themselves.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Danielle from Sioux Falls, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    dakota state university is full of a variety of people. it is a small school, probably less than 2000 students. the staff and faculty are friendly, and there are a lot of opportunities to meet new people.

    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you know what your intended degree will be before you start. there are a lot of specialization classes (many of which are required) to complete your degree, and if you switch majors, especially any time after freshman year, you may have to take more classes than you intend in your later years.

    don't pack too much unless you intend to live off campus. you just need the essentials, and then some extra room. there isn't much space in each dorm room, especially if you plan on living with a roommate.

    branch out through school activities. the best way to help you out with school is to get to know people. being it's a smaller school, chances are you will meet someone who will know a thing or two about your major and the classes you're in. you may also meet a very good friend along the way.

    get all your work done. especially in technology-centered classes, if you miss a lesson, it's likely you will be behind from then on out. you will want to understand every concept before the next one comes along, so attend class and get the work done (on time, preferably).

    Academic Rigor

    most of the teachers in the school are very strict about learning and getting the work done on time. there are the select few that manage to push back a few due dates, but they always want you to learn. there are study groups, tutoring groups, even clubs get involved with helping students get work done.

    overall, academics are stressed fantastically through the faculty and student body.

    Dorm Life

    this really depends on which dorm you're in. there are four dorms in all, one male, one female, and two coed. each dorm has its ups and downs.
    the all-male dorm is identical to the all-female dorm. both dorms have more limited space, since everything is not split down the middle like the coed dorms are. the most noise issues come from the gender specific dorms as well.
    all floors on every dorm have a kitchenette, a bathroom with multiple toilets and showers, and a 'break room' with a tv, microwave, table, etc. you are required to use a key card for access to your dorm, and this card cannot be used for any other dorm.

    overall, dorm life is fair, depending on the dorm you are in.

    Food and Dining

    the food service is excellent with service, cleanliness, and friendliness. unfortunately, that's about all it's good for.
    the food quality is 'edible', meaning it's not that good, but when you're hungry, you'll eat it. the worst time to get food (especially grilled or cooked food) is during the weekends. most of the time it's students running the kitchen during weekends, so the food quality is even worse. burnt pizza, hamburgers, no ketchup, ranch, condiments, and dirty tables are what to expect during weekends.

    overall, the food and dining leaves much to be desired.

    What to do for fun

    madison is not exactly the biggest town in south dakota. as far as fun goes, there's not much the town has to offer for itself.
    the campus makes good attempts to extend some activities out for students, including small concerts, comedy acts, motivational speakers, etc. some school clubs offer fun things as well, such as the dsu game club and the game design club, offering up a chance to play games with other students once a week. some clubs and organizations offer up once in a while activities, such as laser tag, humans vs. zombies, and plays.

    overall, the fun level of the campus is fair. it all depends on your willingness to participate.

    Bang for the buck

    i believe i am overpaying a little bit for this school. there are multiple micro transactions that you would expect might be covered in overall costs. the wireless fee is over 350 dollars. the school assigns you a laptop, but the repair and service for that laptop is minimal. there is no security system on that laptop either. this school is very technology-centered, so i would wish there was security on the laptops.
    however, the academic quality is very good, although you're only in class two to three days a week, which isn't much for paying 600 dollars per class, per semester.
    also, paying 1500 dollars for housing per semester is ridiculous, considering you have to share a small room and bathroom with multiple people.

    overall, the bang for the buck is minimal.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the campus includes the madison community center, which is right next to our football field. this community center is free for students, and you can work out there during business hours. it offers a track, the trojan football field, indoor track, extensive weight room, treadmills and machines, and a pool.

    one tradition is an activity put on by the dsu game club called humans vs. zombies. it usually happens once or twice a year and has about 80-some participants each time. it's just a giant game of tag that lasts 24 hours for two straight weeks. a group of people (zombies) are trying to tag and 'turn' a second group (humans). the humans have nerf guns, and if a zombie is hit by a dart, they are stunned and cannot tag. it can turn into an extensive and exhausting game, but it is very popular with dsu students.

    Great for these types of students

    this school is great for technology-centered students, as well as students that enjoy a small campus and intensive classes of 30 some people.

    Clubs and Activities

    there are quite a few clubs on campus, and many of them have good perks for specific majors and members of the club.

    Campus Safety

    there has been an incident recently where i reported a crime to the school, and although i was interviewed about it, nothing was done to stop it. i am afraid it is still occurring, and since it is a dangerous crime, i am not sure what to do about it at this point. it disappoints me that the school did nothing about this issue, and for that, the campus safety rating got a hit.
    otherwise, there has been a madison (not school) shooting this past semester, and the school did a good job on lock-down and securing students during the ordeal.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Chad

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    attending dsu this past year has been a great experience for me. the campus is not too big that you get lost and you're not just another number as on some campuses. i can't wait to return in the fall of 2012.

    Tips for prospective students

    there is a whole world waiting out there for us. we just need to believe in ourselves, do our best, and the possibilities are unlimited. get involved in campus life. be smart about it. our future is beginning here.

    Academic Rigor

    study, study, study. you can always find a study partner or group to help out if you are having trouble. apply yourself to your studies. that doesn't mean you can't have some fun, but we are here to get an education so we can accomplish great things in our future.

    Dorm Life

    dorm life has been great. you need to get involved in campus activities. it's great being part of something greater!

    Food and Dining

    the meals are fantastic. living right next to the cafeteria has great advantages.

    What to do for fun

    there are many things to do around dsu. you can just chill out with new friends on campus or go hang out at one of the local places. for the sports enthusiasts, there are plenty of games/matches to go to. everything that we need or want is here in madison.

  • 0 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Tasha from Sioux Falls, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
  • Collin from Watertown, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is great college to go to because of its size you get to know your professors and classmates. DSU has been rated as one of the top colleges. They also have been highly recongized for its computer technolgies.

    Tips for prospective students

    just because Dakota State is small don't pass is by. Check it out you will be surprised at what is has to offer and the accademic challenges it offers

    Academic Rigor

    Dakota State University will challenge you to do your best don't take anything for granted. i rate 10

    Dorm Life

    the rooms are somewhat small but two people can live in them. they also provide off campus housing. there are a number of activities to keep everyone busy.

    Food and Dining

    Its not moms but they are always updating and changing the menu to allow varitey .

    What to do for fun

    there are many clubs to join like the martial arts club and the math and science club

  • Jennifer from Sioux Falls, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I have nothing but nice comments for this school. They are very helpful, nice, and respectful to their students. They help their students to succeed.

  • Temila from Glendale, AZ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This school is very helpful and I understand what the teachers are teaching and fun school to attend lots of activity here and there is always tutors available.

    Tips for prospective students

    Going to class everyday is a start of getting a good grade in class, but doing homework is a good way of keeping up with the class and not to fall behind.

    Academic Rigor

    This school is more of an computer school which we do all assignments, test and quizzes. We also get our own computer which is yours until your years in school is finished.

    Dorm Life

    I don't live in the dorms but from what I had heard that the dorms are really nice and clean but the rooms are just a little small.

    Food and Dining

    The food is pretty good, we have an buffet so we can eat all we want but the food selection can be a little bit better each day instead of eating the same food almost each day.

    What to do for fun

    I exercise each day to keep in shape and also play basketball and football.

    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for students that want to do anything with technology.

    Campus Safety

    We are real safe on and off campus not really any crime rate so really almost nothing to worry about and we have security that watch the campus 24/7.