WSU vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

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

Wichita State University is larger than South Dakota State University based on total student enrollment (16,689 students vs. 12,056 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wichita State University is located in Wichita, KS (Large City setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Wichita 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: Wichita State University 19:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

WSU vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU 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 Wichita State University than South Dakota State University ($14,228 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 18.1% lower than at Wichita State University ($10,176 vs. $12,420).
• Wichita State University is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $385 more per year; $9,684.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.1% higher at WSU than at South Dakota State University (about $7,060 more per year; $19,869.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Wichita State University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wichita State University students is 81.6% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($8,125 vs. $4,474).

WSU vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU 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 WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 80 points higher than at WSU (1070).
• Incoming South Dakota State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wichita State University 905/1240; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wichita State University 17/25; South Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at WSU (3.48).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than WSU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at WSU vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

WSU vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU 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 Wichita State University's (43%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wichita State University graduates have a $4,616 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($211 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 55%)

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.