Analysis
Dakota State's software program faces a troubling contradiction: while it ranks in the 60th percentile among South Dakota's few tech programs, it sits in the bottom 5% nationally. That first-year salary of $26,379 is barely above retail wages, and the $27,000 in debt means graduates are carrying debt equal to their entire first year's earnings. For context, the national median for this program is $38,234—nearly $12,000 more.
The 35% earnings bump to $35,628 by year four offers some relief, but even that improved salary trails national norms significantly. The institution's 98% admission rate suggests limited selectivity, which may explain why graduates struggle to compete for higher-paying software positions. With only three programs in South Dakota, the in-state competition is minimal, yet even ranking 60th percentile here doesn't translate to competitive outcomes on a national scale.
For families willing to keep their student in-state, this might work as an affordable pathway if your child plans to stay in South Dakota's smaller tech market. But if they'll be competing for software jobs nationally—or even in nearby Minneapolis or Denver—they'll be starting at a significant disadvantage compared to peers from stronger programs who are earning 40-50% more right out of the gate.
Where Dakota State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer software and media applications bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Dakota State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota State University | $26,379 | $35,628 | +35% |
| University of Southern California | $103,071 | $134,326 | +30% |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | $69,052 | $84,214 | +22% |
| Academy of Art University | $45,387 | $72,792 | +60% |
| Baker College | $41,784 | $71,920 | +72% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Software and Media Applications bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dakota State UniversityMadison | $9,633 | $26,379 | $35,628 | $27,000 | 1.02 |
 University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles | $68,237 | $103,071 | $134,326 | $23,500 | 0.23 |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $98,117 | — | $19,769 | 0.20 |
 Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City | $8,300 | $95,292 | — | $23,287 | 0.24 |
 Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester | $59,070 | $86,193 | — | $24,656 | 0.29 |
 University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario | — | $83,476 | $57,111 | $44,225 | 0.53 |
| National Median | — | $38,234 | — | $27,000 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer software and media applications graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Dakota State University, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 46 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.