South Dakota State University vs. UW

Comparable Facts

Compare South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD with University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota State University is larger than UW based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 10,813 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting); University of Wyoming is in Laramie, WY (Remote Town setting).
• South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wyoming is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: South Dakota State University 17:1; University of Wyoming 13:1.

South Dakota State University vs. UW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, South Dakota State University or UW? 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 University of Wyoming than South Dakota State University ($14,872 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 25.8% lower than at University of Wyoming ($10,176 vs. $13,710).
• South Dakota State University is 19.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW (about $1,531 more per year; $9,299.00 vs. $7,768.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.8% higher at UW than at South Dakota State University (about $11,369 more per year; $24,178.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at University of Wyoming (94% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Wyoming students is 128.3% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($10,212 vs. $4,474).

South Dakota State University vs. UW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, South Dakota State University or UW? 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 UW and South Dakota State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 10 points higher than at UW (1140).
• Incoming UW students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Dakota State University 1060/1240; University of Wyoming 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Dakota State University 19/25; University of Wyoming 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: South Dakota State University - Test optional; UW - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UW Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have the same average high school GPA (3.53) as students at UW (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than UW (96.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.1% at South Dakota State University vs. 23.8% at UW.

South Dakota State University vs. UW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for South Dakota State University and UW? 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 University of Wyoming's (53%).
• Graduates from University of Wyoming earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than South Dakota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,400 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wyoming graduates have a $6,616 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($18,500 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, UW graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($191 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UW students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 75%)

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.