Overview of Costs for International Students at DSU (2025–2026)
1. Undergraduate Estimated Costs (Directly Billed by DSU)
For non–South Dakota residents, which includes international students, the estimated annual undergraduate cost of attendance is broken down as follows:
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Tuition & Fees: $12,278 per year (based on 30 credits)
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Books, Materials, Supplies, Equipment (including wireless computing fee): $1,652
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On‑Campus Housing & Food Service: $9,959
** Total Estimated Annual Cost**: $23,889 (direct billed costs) Dakota State University
Additional indirect costs (not billed by DSU, estimates only):
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Transportation: $2,694–$3,368
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Personal expenses: $2,293–$3,299
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Off‑Campus Housing & Food Service: $11,263 Dakota State University
2. Per Semester and Yearly Breakdown (Undergraduate)
Another breakdown by semester:
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Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (per semester): $6,138.75
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Wireless Computing Fee: $426
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Housing & Food Service (per semester): $4,253
Estimated Cost per Semester: $10,817.75
Estimated Cost per Year (two semesters): $21,635.50 Dakota State University
3. Graduate Student Costs (Direct Billed)
For non–South Dakota residents, here are the graduate tuition estimates for on-campus study:
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Master’s (per semester, 9 credits): $6,136.65
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PhD (per semester, 9 credits): $6,421.95 Dakota State University
With typical two-semester enrollment (i.e. 18 credits yearly):
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Master’s Estimated Annual Cost: ~$12,273 (tuition & fees only)
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PhD Estimated Annual Cost: ~$12,844 (tuition & fees only)
Note: These figures do not include housing, books, or living expenses.
4. Alternative Estimates—Third‑Party Sources
Some external sites have different figures, which may or may not reflect the most recent updates:
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Collegedunia estimates annual cost for non‑residents at $19,754, including:
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Tuition & Fees: $5,906.25 per semester
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Wireless Fee, Housing & Food, etc. Collegedunia
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StudyAbroad.Careers360 reports approximate per semester cost of $8,747.25 ($17,494.50 per year) Careers360 Study Abroad
These discrepancies likely stem from different assumptions or outdated data—so the official DSU site figures are the most reliable.
Estimated Total Cost Summary for International Students
| Degree Level | Tuition & Fees (Yearly) | On-Campus Housing & Food | Books & Supplies | Estimated Total (Billed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $12,278 | $9,959 | $1,652 | $23,889 |
| Graduate (Master’s) | ~$12,273 | Not included | Not included | ~$12,273 + other costs |
| Graduate (PhD) | ~$12,844 | Not included | Not included | ~$12,844 + other costs |
Additional Living and Personal Expenses (estimates):
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Transportation and personal: $5,000–$6,600 annually
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Off-campus housing (if chosen): $11,263 annually Dakota State University
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
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The total billed cost for undergraduate international students at DSU in 2025–2026 is about $23,889 annually, covering tuition, materials, housing, and food.
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Graduate students need to budget for tuition (~$12k/year) plus housing, living, and other incidentals.
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Indirect expenses can significantly raise annual cost of attendance—so budgeting more than $25k/year is realistic, depending on lifestyle choices.
Helpful Tips:
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Check DSU’s Cost of Attendance tool and financial aid/scholarship options—they may help reduce costs. Dakota State University
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Consider contacting DSU’s International Student Services for updated guidance on cost, aid availability, and practical tips.
Let me know if you’d like help estimating costs based on specific programs or exploring financial aid avenues!