University of South Dakota

  • 5/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Vermillion, SD
  • 0 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in South Dakota

Overview

Total enrollment

10,619
University of South Dakota overview
University of South Dakota overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • 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

USD is rated within the lower 48% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    5 out of 10
  • Academics
    6 out of 10
  • Resources
    6 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    5 out of 10
  • Value
    3 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Average
University of South Dakota admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1125/1315
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 19/25
  • GPA 3.43

Acceptance Rate

98.8%
University of South Dakota applications overview
  • Applications Due -
  • Enrollment Rate 24.1%
  • Application Fee $20

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

South Dakota Resident Tuition

$9,432

Out of State Resident Tuition

$12,942

Breakdown

In State Costs for University of South Dakota
  • Tuition $9,432
  • Books and Supplies $1,000
  • Other Fees $1,659
  • Room and Board $10,356
  • Budget for Other Expenses $4,948
  • Total One Year Cost $27,395

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$48,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

47% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of South Dakota are Health Professions, Business, and Education. 32% of students major in Health Professions, 14% in Business, and 9% in Education.

  • Health Professions 32%
  • Business 14%
  • Education 9%
  • Psychology 9%
  • Social Sciences 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering University of South Dakota are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219471.

GPA calculator: University of South Dakota GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026