University of South Dakota
About University of South Dakota
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
USD is a public flagship university in Vermillion, South Dakota. It is the oldest university in the state and offers programs in business, law, medicine, and the liberal arts.
Founded
1862
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Students
8,439
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
98.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
59.9%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,432
Out-of-state: $12,942
Avg Net Price
$19,858
After financial aid
SAT Average
1125
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$51,926
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
University of South Dakota accepts the majority of applicants at 98.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1125/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
59.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.3%
4-Year Grad
43%
6-Year Grad
60%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
65.2%
$/Student
$11.9K
Class Size
Medium
The 43% graduation rate is below average, but 79.3% 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
$9,432
In-State
$12,942
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,356
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,422
After Financial Aid
$19,858
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,921
Receive Grants
18.7%
Take Loans
40.4%
The total cost of attendance runs about $24,422/yr, including $10,356 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $19,858.
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 University of South Dakota fund their education.
While in School
18.7%
Get Grants
Free money
40.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$64,843
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,592
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$250/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,592 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 University of South Dakota.
Gender
64.5%
Female
36%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,439
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,000
Graduates
24.3%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 65% of the student body. 24.3% are first-generation college students. 6.9% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
5,439
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of South Dakota fields 10 varsity teams with 607 student athletes, about 11% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
The Summit League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
607
11% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
50% / 50%
301
Men
306
Women
5
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of South Dakotaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$51,926
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$72K
162 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
82 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$47K
80 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$44K
77 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$44K
75 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
—
69 grads
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of South Dakota
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Dakota?▾
How much does University of South Dakota cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of South Dakota?▾
How much do University of South Dakota 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.