South Dakota State University
About South Dakota State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
South Dakota State University is a public research university in Brookings, South Dakota. It is the largest university in the state and is a land-grant institution known for its agriculture, engineering, nursing, and pharmacy programs.
Founded
1881
Location
Brookings, South Dakota
Students
10,535
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
98.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
62.4%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$9,299
Out-of-state: $12,809
Avg Net Price
$19,841
After financial aid
SAT Average
1120
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$55,070
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$20
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
South Dakota State University accepts the majority of applicants at 98.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1120/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
62.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
83.8%
4-Year Grad
42%
6-Year Grad
59%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
80.7%
$/Student
$10.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 42% graduation rate is below average, but 83.8% 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
$9,299
In-State
$12,809
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,176
Books & Supplies
$750
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,636
After Financial Aid
$19,841
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,266
Receive Grants
16.8%
Take Loans
42.6%
The total cost of attendance runs about $24,636/yr, including $10,176 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $19,841.
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 State University fund their education.
While in School
16.8%
Get Grants
Free money
42.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$73,000
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$246/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,250 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
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 State University.
Gender
54.3%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
9,198
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,337
Graduates
20.2%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
6.2%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 20.2% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
9,198
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
South Dakota State University fields 11 varsity teams with 714 student athletes, about 8% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
The Summit League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
714
8% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
395
Men
319
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of South Dakota State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$55,070
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$72K
290 grads
1yr Earnings
Animal Sciences
$45K
101 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Managerial Economics
$45K
87 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$33K
83 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$35K
81 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$68K
72 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $50K six years out, growing to $55K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Dakota State University
What is the acceptance rate at South Dakota State University?▾
How much does South Dakota State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at South Dakota State University?▾
How much do South Dakota State University 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.