South Dakota State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state South Dakota residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 9,198 students.
About This School
South Dakota State University is a public institution located in Brookings, South Dakota with approximately 9,198 undergraduate students enrolled. South Dakota State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 98%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,841 per year. The graduation rate is 62%, and the typical graduate earns $50,200 within 10 years of enrollment.
South Dakota State University is a public land-grant research university in Brookings, South Dakota, United States. Founded in 1881, it is the state's largest university and is the second oldest continually operating university in the state. The university is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $18,219/year average net price and only $16,246 in median debt at graduation, this school is genuinely affordable, and the near-universal 99% acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for most applicants. However, the 60% graduation rate is a real concern — it means 4 in 10 students don't finish, so it's worth asking honestly whether the campus environment and support systems are the right fit for you. If you're drawn to agriculture, engineering, or health sciences at a large land-grant university and have a clear plan to stay on track, it can deliver solid value, with graduates earning a median $50,200 a decade out.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 14% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (9,198 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in South Dakota
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD · Public
Southeast Technical College
Sioux Falls, SD · Public
Dakota State University
Madison, SD · Public
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD · Public
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD · Private nonprofit
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD · Public
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
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