South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
About South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public engineering university in Rapid City, South Dakota, near the Black Hills. It is one of the top engineering schools in the region, with programs in mining, mechanical, and chemical engineering, and graduates earning over $72,000 median salary.
Founded
1885
Location
Rapid City, South Dakota
Students
2,431
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
79.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
53%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$10,500
Out-of-state: $14,900
Avg Net Price
$20,183
After financial aid
SAT Average
1245
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$72,257
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$20
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology accepts the majority of applicants at 79.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1245/ 1600
ACT Scores
27/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
53% complete their degree within six years
Retention
84.1%
4-Year Grad
24%
6-Year Grad
52%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
88%
$/Student
$13.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 24% graduation rate is below average, but 84.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,500
In-State
$14,900
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,300
Books & Supplies
$1,900
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,385
After Financial Aid
$20,183
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$15,348
Receive Grants
16.9%
Take Loans
40.4%
The total cost of attendance runs about $25,385/yr, including $9,300 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $20,183.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology fund their education.
While in School
16.9%
Get Grants
Free money
40.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$76,508
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $72K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Gender
21.2%
Female
79%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,071
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
360
Graduates
18.3%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
6.4%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 79% of the student body. 18.3% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
2,071
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology fields 6 varsity teams with 439 student athletes, about 21% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Rocky Mountain
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
6
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
439
21% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
76% / 24%
335
Men
104
Women
5
Men's Teams
4
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of South Dakota School of Mines and Technologyearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$72,257
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Mechanical Engineering
$70K
76 grads
1yr Earnings
Chemical Engineering
$73K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Civil Engineering
$69K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Industrial Engineering
$70K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
$74K
28 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$78K
27 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $63K at six years, $61K at eight, and $72K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
What is the acceptance rate at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?▾
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How much do South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.