Nebraska vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Nebraska Lincoln is larger than South Dakota State University based on total student enrollment (24,393 students vs. 12,056 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Nebraska Lincoln is located in Lincoln, NE (Large City setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• University of Nebraska Lincoln is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Nebraska Lincoln 17:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Nebraska vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nebraska 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 University of Nebraska Lincoln than South Dakota State University ($18,322 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 27.9% lower than at University of Nebraska Lincoln ($10,176 vs. $14,120).
• University of Nebraska Lincoln is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $1,135 more per year; $10,434.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123.2% higher at Nebraska than at South Dakota State University (about $15,775 more per year; $28,584.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Nebraska Lincoln as at South Dakota State University (94% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Nebraska Lincoln students is 135.6% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($10,541 vs. $4,474).

Nebraska vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nebraska 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 Nebraska.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Nebraska Lincoln (1210) is 60 points higher than at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Incoming Nebraska students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Nebraska Lincoln 1098/1330; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Nebraska Lincoln 22/28; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nebraska - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Nebraska May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nebraska students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at South Dakota State University (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Nebraska (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.8% at Nebraska vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Nebraska vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nebraska 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).

• University of Nebraska Lincoln's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than South Dakota State University's (60%).
• Graduates from University of Nebraska Lincoln earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than South Dakota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Nebraska Lincoln graduates have a $3,416 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($21,700 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, Nebraska graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($224 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nebraska students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 73%)

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.