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South Dakota State University Demographics & Diversity

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  • Brookings, SD
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#3 Best Public Universities in South Dakota
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Very Low

Racial Diversity Index: 21%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at South Dakota State University are mostly White with a small Foreign Resident population. The school has very low racial diversity. 12% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Racial demographics of South Dakota State University students
Race Percent of Students
White
88%
Black
2%
Hispanic
2%
Asian
1%
American Indian / Alaskan
1%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2%
International
4%
Race Unknown
0%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 49%

There are 27% more female students than male students enrolled at South Dakota State University with a gender ratio of 56% women to 44% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, South Dakota State University has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for South Dakota State University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
44%
Women
56%
Enrollment by gender for South Dakota State University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
5,309
Women
6,747

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 50%

South Dakota State University draws 51 percent of students from South Dakota, 44 percent from other states, and 6 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside South Dakota, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for South Dakota State University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
51%
Out of State
44%
Foreign
6%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$53,049 per year

21% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

12,056
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 10.7%
Part-time undergraduates 13.1%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to South Dakota State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219356.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026