TU vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

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

Towson University is larger than South Dakota State University based on total student enrollment (19,401 students vs. 12,056 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Towson University is located in Towson, MD (Small City setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Towson 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: Towson University 14:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

TU vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TU 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 Towson University than South Dakota State University ($16,653 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 37.4% lower than at Towson University ($10,176 vs. $16,260).
• Towson University is 26.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $2,429 more per year; $11,728.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132.8% higher at TU than at South Dakota State University (about $17,011 more per year; $29,820.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Towson University (94% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Towson University students is 164.2% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($11,820 vs. $4,474).

TU vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TU 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 TU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 60 points higher than at TU (1090).
• Incoming TU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 950/1235; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 19/27; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TU - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at South Dakota State University (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than TU (82%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at TU vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

TU vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TU 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).

• Towson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than South Dakota State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Towson University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than South Dakota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Towson University graduates have a $7,366 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($17,750 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, TU graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($183 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 69%)

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.