South Dakota State University Admission Requirements
- 5/10 Overall Rating
- 4 Year
- Brookings, SD
-
0 reviews
South Dakota State University Admission Overview
South Dakota State University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year South Dakota State University admitted 98.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.53 GPA (A-) and SAT 1060-1240 / ACT 19-25. South Dakota State University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
South Dakota State University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
South Dakota State University Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very Low
Admission difficulty for South Dakota State University
Acceptance Rate
The South Dakota State University acceptance rate is 98.3%. Last year, 7,166 of 7,287 applicants were admitted. That is the 10th lowest acceptance rate in South Dakota.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into South Dakota State University and can you get accepted?
South Dakota State University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
South Dakota State University typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.53. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 34% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
South Dakota State University GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.53Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
A-Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.53
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at South Dakota State University typically have around a 3.53 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. South Dakota State University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #4 in South Dakota for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
South Dakota State University SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1060-1240Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
2%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 530
- Math 530
- Composite 1060
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 610
- Math 630
- Composite 1240
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at South Dakota State University typically score around a 1150 SAT (middle 50% 1060–1240) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 68th percentile nationally. South Dakota State University ranks #6 in the state of South Dakota for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1060 to 1240
SAT policy
South Dakota State University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1150 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
South Dakota State University ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
19-25Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
75%25th Percentile Scores
- English 18
- Math 18
- Composite 19
75th Percentile Scores
- English 24
- Math 26
- Composite 25
Average ACT
Incoming testers at South Dakota State University typically have around a 22 ACT (mid-50 19–25) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 63rd percentile of ACT takers nationwide. South Dakota State University places #4 among colleges in South Dakota for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 19 to 25
ACT policy
You may apply to South Dakota State University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 22.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
75% of South Dakota State University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 42% are in the top quarter.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the South Dakota State University chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to South Dakota State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to South Dakota State University is $20.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
South Dakota State University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 98.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.53 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1060-1240); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to South Dakota State University often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219356.
GPA calculator: South Dakota State University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026