Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University is a public comprehensive university in Dickinson, North Dakota (founded 1918, NDUS system), offering accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, education, business, and applied sciences across multiple academic schools, with a tuition-freeze pricing model and a regional workforce-development mission in the western Dakotas.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1918
- HeadquartersDickinson, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Dickinson State University does
Dickinson State University (DSU) is a small, public comprehensive university founded in 1918 in Dickinson, North Dakota, operating as part of the North Dakota University System (NDUS). It delivers undergraduate and graduate programs through academic schools including the School of Applied Sciences, School of Business and Entrepreneurship, School of Education, and a planned School of Health Sciences (following the August 2025 dissolution of the School of Professional Studies). Programs include ACEN-accredited nursing (AASPN, BSN, and a relaunched LPN track for Spring 2026), CAEP-accredited teacher education, IACBE-member business programs, Fire Science, computer science and 20+ new technology offerings, agriculture, and the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program.
The university operates on a tuition/appropriation/donation revenue model, with annual tuition charges differentiated by residency status, recurring North Dakota state appropriations, federally and institutionally administered scholarships and financial aid, and DSU Heritage Foundation fundraising. Pricing tactics include a four-year tuition freeze, the stackable Presidential Scholarship (up to $1,600/year for qualifying students with 3.25+ HS GPA), and the Blue Hawk Promise Scholarship (full tuition waiver for Pell-eligible ND/MN/MT/SD residents enrolling full-time).
Technology and delivery are built on commodity higher-ed platforms: Blackboard LMS for online instruction, Campus Connection SIS for registration and records, Starfish for student-success alerting, Anthology for teacher-education portfolios, and Google Analytics/Snapengage for web analytics. Differentiated facilities include the Glenice and Dale Hansen Simulation Center and a Virtual Cadaver Lab for health-sciences training. The go-to-market is sales-led, recruiting from high schools, community colleges, and non-traditional adult learners across the western Dakotas region through admissions counselors, campus visits, digital marketing, and community partnerships.
Dickinson State University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Dickinson State University
- Legal name
- Dickinson State University
- Website
- https://dickinsonstate.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1918
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Dickinson State University is a public comprehensive university in Dickinson, North Dakota (founded 1918, NDUS system), offering accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, education, business, and applied sciences across multiple academic schools, with a tuition-freeze pricing model and a regional workforce-development mission in the western Dakotas.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Dickinson State University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Professional and Management Development Training (61143)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Undergraduate Teacher Education Colleges (EDAHAFAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Schools of Nursing (EDAHAGAC), Junior Colleges (Associate-Degree Granting) (EDAHADAC), Online Teacher Education Universities (Licensure & M.Ed.) (EDAHALAG)
Keywords
Where Dickinson State University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dickinson
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Dickinson State University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: DSU generates revenue through tuition charges for undergraduate and graduate programs, with tuition rates based on residency status and credit hour enrollment
- State Funding and Appropriations: As a public university, DSU receives state funding from North Dakota as part of the North Dakota University System
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: University administers federal grants, state grants, institutional scholarships, and third-party scholarships to support student enrollment
- Donations and Foundation Support: DSU Heritage Foundation raises funds for academic scholarships and institutional support through annual campaigns
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Presidential Scholarship - $1,600/year for students with 3.25+ HS GPA or 3.0 college GPA, or ACT 22+/SAT 1100+ |
| Subscription | Annual | Blue Hawk Promise Scholarship - Full tuition waiver for Pell-eligible students |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Dickinson State University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Dickinson State University is a public comprehensive university that delivers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, and workforce training through on-campus instruction and online/distance learning. Its portfolio spans four academic schools offering programs in education, business, applied sciences, nursing, fire science, agriculture, computer science, and esports, plus continuing education and the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program.
Product overview
Dickinson State University is a public higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs through four academic schools: School of Applied Sciences, School of Business and Entrepreneurship, School of Education, and Graduate Studies. The university provides undergraduate and graduate degrees across disciplines including business, education, nursing, applied sciences, and professional studies. Key programs include the CAEP-accredited Teacher Education Program, IACBE-accredited Business School, ACEN-accredited Nursing Programs, and the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program. DSU also offers workforce development through Dual Mission Career Training, online/distance learning options, and co-curricular programs including esports and the annual Red Paperclip Challenge business ethics project.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program: Honors leadership program named after Theodore Roosevelt, featuring distinctive programming for student leaders.
- Teacher Education Program
- Blue Hawk Promise Scholarship
- Dual Mission Career Training
Products and services
- School of Applied Sciences (SAS) Academic school at DSU offering undergraduate programs in computer science, biology, chemistry, environmental science, nursing, and agriculture. Includes the Fire Science program following the 2025 restructuring.
- School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SoBE) Business school offering IACBE-accredited degrees in accounting, administration, economics, esports, finance, human resources, business education, and graduate programs including MBA and entrepreneurship.
- School of Education (SoE) CAEP-accredited teacher education school offering elementary and secondary education degrees. After 2025 restructuring, also houses Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science, criminal justice, and psychology programs.
- Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program Honors program focused on leadership development, named after President Theodore Roosevelt. Students engage in service learning, community events, and leadership activities.
- Graduate Studies Graduate-level programs including master's degrees in teaching, elementary education, educational leadership, business administration, entrepreneurship, sport administration, and nursing.
- Teacher Education Program CAEP-accredited educator preparation program offering undergraduate and graduate courses in elementary and secondary education, featuring experiential learning through field experiences, performance-based assessment, and portfolio review.
- Nursing Programs (AASPN, BSN) ACEN-accredited nursing programs approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing, including Associate and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Includes a relaunched LPN program for Spring 2026.
- Fire Science Program Workforce-aligned fire science program developed in partnership with the Dickinson Fire Department for southwest North Dakota regional workforce needs.
- Virtual Cadaver Lab State-of-the-art virtual cadaver lab for health science students featuring advanced equipment and robotics for hands-on anatomical training.
- Online and Distance Learning Flexible online/distance programs delivered through Blackboard LMS, including professional development and continuing education courses for students unable to attend on-campus.
- Esports Program Competitive collegiate esports program offering scholarship opportunities and student engagement activities including the annual Level Me Up conference for high school gamers.
- Blue Hawk Promise Scholarship Tuition waiver scholarship waiving tuition costs for Pell-eligible students who are ND, MN, MT, or SD residents enrolling full-time.
- Presidential Scholarship Annual $1,600 scholarship for high-achieving students with 3.25+ HS GPA or 3.0+ college GPA, or ACT 22+/SAT 1100+. Stackable with other aid.
- Red Paperclip Challenge Annual business ethics project where students trade a red paperclip for items of increasing value, learning communication, bartering, and goal-setting skills.
Quantifiable outcome
- 0% student loan default rate (FY2022)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Dickinson State University
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Dickinson State University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature2 records
Dickinson State University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- North Dakota State University (NDSU)coreDSU and NDSU signed a partnership agreement to expand advanced practice nursing education and address workforce gaps in healthcare across North Dakota. This collaboration enables DSU nursing graduates to pursue advanced practice nursing degrees at NDSU.
- Smithsonian National ZoominorDSU partnered with the Smithsonian National Zoo on historic trail research, providing students with unique research opportunities in wildlife conservation.
- Dickinson Fire Department and Stark County Emergency ManagementcoreDSU partnered with the Dickinson Fire Department and Stark County Emergency Management for a joint training exercise, enhancing emergency services training for students.
- Baker Boy, Inc.flagshipBaker Boy, Inc. sponsored the inaugural Leadership Rising conference organized by DSU's School of Business and Entrepreneurship. Guy Moos, CEO of Baker Boy, participated as a speaker and supporter. Baker Boy also established the Baker Boy Professor of Leadership position at DSU.
- Theodore Roosevelt CentercoreDSU hosts the Theodore Roosevelt Center, a digital archive dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt. The university's Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program is named in this honor.
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)coreDSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC conducted a peer review team visit in May 2025 and reaffirmed DSU's accreditation in February 2026.
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)coreDSU's School of Education holds national accreditation through CAEP, ensuring quality preparation for future educators.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)coreDSU's nursing programs hold accreditation through ACEN, enabling graduates to sit for the NCLEX examination and pursue advanced nursing education.
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)coreDSU's School of Business and Entrepreneurship is an educational member of IACBE, demonstrating commitment to quality business education.
- North Dakota Department of Public InstructioncoreDSU received a grant from the ND Department of Public Instruction to create the Para-to-Teacher Scholarship, helping paraprofessionals in North Dakota schools obtain teaching licenses.
- North Dakota Economic Diversification Research GrantminorDSU was approved for an Economic Diversification Research Grant program to support the Celebration of Scholars event and provide students with research tools in healthcare and agriculture industries.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights8 records
Dickinson State University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Black Hills State University: Small public university in neighboring South Dakota with comparable enrollment scale, rural service mission, and similar program mix (education, business, applied sciences). Comparable peer in adjacent geography serving similar demographics.
- Montana State University Billings: Small public university in Montana with comparable size, regional service focus, and program portfolio. Comparable peer in adjacent geography competing for similar rural and place-bound students in the northern Great Plains.
- Chadron State College: Nebraska small public college with comparable enrollment scale, rural service mission, and teacher education emphasis. Comparable peer across state borders serving similar rural Great Plains demographics and workforce needs.
Direct peers
- Valley City State University: NDUS peer institution of similar small scale with comparable teacher education programs and online learning focus. Operates in the same statewide system with similar funding model and regional service orientation.
- Minot State University: Another small public university within the North Dakota University System serving a similar regional/rural student population. Most directly comparable NDUS peer in terms of size, mission, and tuition structure.
- Mayville State University: Small NDUS public university with comparable enrollment scale, online programs, and rural North Dakota service region. Direct NDUS peer with overlapping program offerings and student demographics.
- Dakota College at Bottineau: NDUS two-year college offering associate degrees and certificates in rural North Dakota. Comparable in scale, mission, and rural service focus; both institutions compete for similar non-traditional and place-bound learners.
- Lake Region State College: NDUS two-year institution offering associate degrees, including nursing, in rural North Dakota. Comparable to DSU's associate-degree programs and serves overlapping regional workforce development needs.
Broad incumbents
- University of North Dakota: Larger NDUS flagship institution with broader program portfolio and stronger research brand. Competes for the same North Dakota students seeking nursing, education, and business degrees but offers greater program breadth and selectivity.
- North Dakota State University: Larger NDUS peer and strategic partner. Competes for traditional and graduate students statewide, but also collaborates with DSU via the advanced practice nursing pathway — both a competitor and partner.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Dickinson State University social profiles
Digital presenceDickinson State University compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Dickinson State University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Dickinson State University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles21 records
Dickinson State University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Dickinson State University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Dickinson State University
What does Dickinson State University do?
Dickinson State University is a public comprehensive university that delivers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, and workforce training through on-campus instruction and online/distance learning. Its portfolio spans four academic schools offering programs in education, business, applied sciences, nursing, fire science, agriculture, computer science, and esports, plus continuing education and the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program.
Is Dickinson State University a public or private company?
Dickinson State University is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Dickinson State University founded?
Dickinson State University was founded in 1918. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Dickinson State University based?
Dickinson State University is headquartered in Dickinson, United States, in the North America region.
How does Dickinson State University make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are state Funding and Appropriations, scholarships and Financial Aid and donations and Foundation Support.
Who are Dickinson State University's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Black Hills State University, Montana State University Billings and Chadron State College. Direct peers are Valley City State University, Minot State University, Mayville State University, Dakota College at Bottineau and Lake Region State College. Broad incumbents are University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University.
Does Dickinson State University have an API?
No public API is recorded for Dickinson State University.
What industry is Dickinson State University in?
Dickinson State University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAFAA, Undergraduate Teacher Education Colleges, with a secondary code of EDAHAGAC, Schools of Nursing. Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.