South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, SD 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 2,576 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is located in Rapid City, SD (Small City setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 12:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($19,932 vs. $20,267).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology are 8.6% lower than at South Dakota State University ($9,300 vs. $10,176).
• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $1,201 more per year; $10,500.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.3% higher at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology than at South Dakota State University (about $2,091 more per year; $14,900.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (94% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students is 19.2% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($5,334 vs. $4,474).

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (1240) is 90 points higher than at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Incoming South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 1140/1340; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 24/30; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at South Dakota State University (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.1% at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 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 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology's (48%).
• Graduates from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than South Dakota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, South Dakota State University graduates have a $2,384 lower median loan debt than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates ($25,116 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, South Dakota State University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates ($259 vs. $284).
• More South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Dakota State University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 77%)

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.