MSU vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Minot State University in Minot, ND 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 MSU based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 2,751 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minot State University is located in Minot, ND (Remote Town setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Minot 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: Minot State University 11:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

MSU vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU 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 Minot State University than South Dakota State University ($13,092 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minot State University are 16.1% lower than at South Dakota State University ($8,534 vs. $10,176).
• South Dakota State University is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $597 more per year; $9,299.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.2% higher at South Dakota State University than at Minot State University (about $4,107 more per year; $12,809.00 vs. $8,702.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Minot State University (94% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minot State University students is 34.5% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($6,016 vs. $4,474).

MSU vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU 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 MSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 110 points higher than at MSU (1040).
• Incoming South Dakota State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minot State University 930/1140; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minot State University 18/24; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSU Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at MSU (3.42).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than MSU (64.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 77.9% at MSU vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

MSU vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU 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 Minot State University's (34%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minot State University graduates have a $6,391 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($18,725 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($193 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 74%)

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.