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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD·Public·2,042 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $62,400 within 10 years.

85%
Accept
2,042
Students
$20,380
Net Price
58%
Grad Rate
$62,400
Earnings
10 yr
$17,306
Debt

About This School

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public institution located in Rapid City, South Dakota with approximately 2,042 undergraduate students enrolled. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 85%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,380 per year. The graduation rate is 58%, and the typical graduate earns $62,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a public university in Rapid City, South Dakota, United States. It is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents and was founded in 1885. South Dakota Mines offers bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Worth considering if you're drawn to engineering or applied sciences on a tight budget — at $20,380/year average net price and a median debt of just $17,306 at graduation, this school is genuinely affordable compared to most STEM programs. The $62,400 median earnings at 10 years out is solid given that low debt load, meaning graduates aren't stretched thin. The one real concern: a 58% graduation rate suggests a meaningful number of students struggle to finish, so go in knowing this program demands serious commitment.

Founded
1885
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Engineering75%
Physical Sciences7%
Computer Science7%
Mathematics3%
Biological Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

James AbourezkAnne-Grete Strøm-ErichsenWalter Dale MillerTodd Tiahrt

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1245
Reading 75th %ile650
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite27

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,400
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,800
Avg Net Price
$20,380
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants16%
Median debt at graduation$17,306

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
58%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
84%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$62,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,306
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,306
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$56,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$62,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.6x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White83%
Black1%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,042 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

501 E Saint Joseph St

Rapid City, SD 57701-3995

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Dakota

Browse all South Dakota schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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