ECSU vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota State University is larger than ECSU based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 4,355 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Connecticut State University is located in Willimantic, CT (Distant Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Eastern Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Connecticut State University 15:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

ECSU vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECSU or South Dakota State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at South Dakota State University than ECSU ($19,932 vs. $21,512).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 41.7% lower than at Eastern Connecticut State University ($10,176 vs. $17,445).
• Eastern Connecticut State University is 49.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $4,629 more per year; $13,928.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.1% higher at ECSU than at South Dakota State University (about $4,619 more per year; $17,428.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Connecticut State University as at South Dakota State University (94% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Connecticut State University students is 134.2% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($10,480 vs. $4,474).

ECSU vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECSU or South Dakota State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between South Dakota State University and ECSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Connecticut State University (1170) is 20 points higher than at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Connecticut State University 1070/1260; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSouth Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECSU - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at ECSU (3.4).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than ECSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at ECSU vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

ECSU vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECSU and South Dakota State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Eastern Connecticut State University's (49%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than ECSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Connecticut State University graduates have a $2,116 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, ECSU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($237 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECSU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 68%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.