South Dakota State University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes

South Dakota State University is a public institution located in Brookings, South Dakota. For the most recent reporting cycle, South Dakota State University admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 98%. Admitted students typically post an average SAT of 1120 and an ACT composite around 22. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,841 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.

What GPA does my child need for South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University has a broadly accessible admissions profile, and most students who complete a standard college-prep curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher are competitive for admission.

SAT and ACT scores South Dakota State University typically admits

The middle-50 SAT Math range is 530–630, with an EBRW midpoint near 540. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 19–25. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.

How much does South Dakota State University actually cost?

Published tuition is $9,299 for in-state students and $12,809 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $10,176 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $19,841 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 17% of students receive Pell Grants.

Application deadlines and early decision data for South Dakota State University

Most popular majors at South Dakota State University

The most popular undergraduate programs at South Dakota State University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Animal Sciences and Mechanical Engineering. Across all programs, South Dakota State University confers roughly 917 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing program report a median income of about $72,893 five years after entering college. What these figures mean

Is South Dakota State University safe? Campus crime & safety

In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), South Dakota State University disclosed 15 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 1.6 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 1 violent offenses and 11 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts

Other colleges in South Dakota parents ask about

• University of South Dakota
  99% acceptance

Colleges that admit at a similar rate

• Emporia State University
  98% acceptance · Kansas
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  97% acceptance · Colorado
• University of Wyoming
  97% acceptance · Wyoming
• University of Maine
  97% acceptance · Maine
• University of Mississippi
  97% acceptance · Mississippi
• University of Nevada-Las Vegas
  96% acceptance · Nevada
• Troy University
  96% acceptance · Alabama

Common questions parents ask about South Dakota State University