South Dakota State University

5/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Brookings, SD
0 reviews

#3 Best Public Universities in South Dakota

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

12,056

Location Brookings, South Dakota
Website sdstate.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Remote Town

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

South Dakota State University, located in Brookings, South Dakota, is a land-grant public institution situated 60 miles north of Sioux Falls in the state's eastern region. The campus spans 260 acres and features a mix of historic buildings, including the iconic Coughlin Campanile bell tower, alongside modern research facilities and academic buildings. As the state's largest university, SDSU offers comprehensive academic programs with particular strengths in agriculture, engineering, nursing, and pharmacy, while maintaining strong liberal arts foundations. The university operates several agricultural research stations and maintains extensive on-campus housing options for its predominantly residential student population. SDSU competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Jackrabbits, with notable success in basketball and football within the Summit League and Missouri Valley Football Conference.

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Ratings

South Dakota State University is rated within the lower 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

Overall Rating

5 out of 10
Academics

5 out of 10
Resources

4 out of 10
Outcomes

7 out of 10
Value

2 out of 10

Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for South Dakota State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#619
Best Public Colleges in the U.S.

#203
Best Colleges in South Dakota

#4
Best Public Colleges in South Dakota

#3
Best Value Colleges in South Dakota

#13

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Moderate

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1060/1240
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 19/25
GPA 3.53

Acceptance Rate

98.3%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 34.1%
Application Fee $20

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

South Dakota Resident Tuition

$9,299

Out of State Resident Tuition

$12,809

Breakdown

Tuition $9,299
Books and Supplies $750
Other Fees $1,526
Room and Board $10,176
Budget for Other Expenses $4,874
Total One Year Cost $26,625

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$47,700 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

60% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at South Dakota State University are Health Professions, Agriculture, and Social Sciences. 22% of students major in Health Professions, 13% in Agriculture, and 10% in Social Sciences.