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

University of South Dakota is a public institution located in Vermillion, South Dakota. For the most recent reporting cycle, University of South Dakota admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 99%. Admitted students typically post an average SAT of 1125 and an ACT composite around 22. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,858 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.

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

University of South Dakota 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 University of South Dakota typically admits

The middle-50 SAT Math range is 595–695, with an EBRW midpoint near 575. 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 University of South Dakota actually cost?

Published tuition is $9,432 for in-state students and $12,942 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $10,356 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $19,858 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 19% of students receive Pell Grants.

Application deadlines and early decision data for University of South Dakota

Most popular majors at University of South Dakota

The most popular undergraduate programs at University of South Dakota, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods and Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. Across all programs, University of South Dakota confers roughly 676 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing program report a median income of about $73,993 five years after entering college. What these figures mean

Is University of South Dakota safe? Campus crime & safety

In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), University of South Dakota disclosed 11 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 2.0 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 0 violent offenses and 9 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts

Other colleges in South Dakota parents ask about

• South Dakota State University
  98% 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 University of South Dakota