Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Vermillion, South Dakota |
| Online | usd.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
The University of South Dakota (USD), established in 1862, is located in Vermillion, a small town in the southeastern corner of South Dakota along the Missouri River. The main campus spans 274 acres of traditional collegiate architecture mixed with modern facilities, centered around a historic Old Main building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. USD serves as South Dakota's flagship public institution and houses the state's only law school and medical school, along with recognized programs in business, education, and fine arts. The university maintains a selective admission process for its undergraduate programs and offers comprehensive student housing options across multiple residence halls. As a member of the Summit League, USD competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with particular prominence in basketball and football, hosting home games at the DakotaDome, an indoor multi-purpose facility.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
USD is rated within the top 49% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of South Dakota within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#576 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#182 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Colleges in South Dakota
#2 in Best Public Colleges in South Dakota
#569 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Value Colleges in South Dakota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1110/1330 |
| ACT | 19/25 |
| GPA | 3.43 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $20 |
Annual Cost to Attend
South Dakota Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,659 |
| Room and Board | $9,060 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,947 |
| Total One Year Cost | $24,639 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,659 |
| Room and Board | $9,060 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,947 |
| Total One Year Cost | $28,149 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 32% |
| Business | 14% |
| Education | 9% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Social Sciences | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering USD are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about University of South Dakota.
- What are the hardest colleges to get into in South Dakota?
- What are some good safety schools in South Dakota?
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219471 IPEDS survey data for University of South Dakota.
Current students may use the University of South Dakota GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025