North Dakota State University-Main Campus (NDSU) vs South Dakota State University (SDSU)

North Dakota State University-Main Campus and South Dakota State University, both located in the heart of the Midwest, offer distinct educational experiences. NDSU boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students. SDSU, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. While NDSU excels in fields like engineering and agriculture, SDSU shines in nursing and health sciences. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, popular majors, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	North Dakota State University-Main Campus	South Dakota State University
Overview
Location	Fargo, North Dakota	Brookings, South Dakota
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Town: Remote
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	76.0%	80.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	95.5%	87.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $35 Graduate: $35	Undergraduate: $20 Graduate: $35
SAT range	1096 - 1313	980 - 1220
ACT range	20 - 26	19 - 25
Students submitting SAT score	1.0%	3.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	86.0%
Total number of applicants	8,143	5,774
Total number of admissions given out	7,773	5,048
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,491	2,019
Yield rate	32.0%	40.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,879 Out of state: $28,354	In state: $24,304 Out of state: $27,814
Average net price	$16,677	$17,859
Tuition	In state: $8,951 Out of state: $13,426	In state: $7,773 Out of state: $11,283
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,100 Meal plan: $4,778	Room/dormitory: $4,054 Meal plan: $4,082
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $4,089	81.0% Average amount $4,747
Students receiving federal student loan	60.0% Average amount $5,226	60.0% Average amount $5,063
Students taking out private loans	28.0% Average amount $11,868	17.0% Average amount $9,956

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	10,199 Men 49.8% Women 50.2%	9,847 Men 45.2% Women 54.8%
Graduate students	2,262 Men 47.4% Women 52.6%	1,618 Men 37.3% Women 62.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	64.0%	N/A
International students	5.5%	5.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	5,563	4,488
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Minnesota North Dakota Wisconsin South Dakota California	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Education Business Agriculture	Health Professions Engineering Family and Consumer Sciences Education Agriculture
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	64.9%	59.5%
Dropout rate	10.7%	38.9%
Transferred out	22.3%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $112,561 Year 2: $117,751 Year 3: $125,733 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $98,645 Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $116,073 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $72,828 Year 3: $93,292 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,521 Year 2: $66,401 Year 3: $74,017 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,785 Year 2: $64,865 Year 3: $72,508 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,224 Year 2: $65,409 Year 3: $72,103 Agricultural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,019 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $69,536 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,818 Year 2: $59,576 Year 3: $68,476 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,258 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $68,399 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,793 Year 2: $58,866 Year 3: $67,481	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $110,688 Year 2: $117,014 Year 3: $126,250 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $114,802 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,967 Year 2: $74,845 Year 3: $81,032 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,229 Year 2: $61,322 Year 3: $70,114 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,268 Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $62,932 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,985 Year 2: $56,234 Year 3: $61,104 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,372 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $60,463 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,551 Year 2: $56,776 Year 3: $59,988 Plant Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,213 Year 2: $55,151 Year 3: $55,715 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: $54,439

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between North Dakota State University (NDSU) and South Dakota State University (SDSU)?

NDSU and SDSU are both excellent land-grant universities in the Dakotas, but they have distinct focuses. NDSU is known for its strong STEM programs, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sciences, and has a more research-intensive environment. SDSU excels in agricultural sciences, nursing, and pharmacy, with a strong emphasis on practical application and community engagement. NDSU is located in Fargo, a larger metropolitan area, while SDSU is in Brookings, a smaller college town.
Which university is larger, NDSU or SDSU?

NDSU generally has a slightly larger student population than SDSU. While enrollment numbers can fluctuate, NDSU typically enrolls a few thousand more students than SDSU, offering a wider range of academic and extracurricular opportunities due to its size.
How do NDSU and SDSU compare in terms of academic programs?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. NDSU has a broader selection of engineering disciplines and a more developed pharmaceutical sciences program. SDSU is particularly strong in agricultural sciences, animal science, and nursing. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision, as one university may have a more specialized program that aligns with your goals.
What is the campus environment like at NDSU versus SDSU?

NDSU's campus in Fargo offers a more urban feel, with access to city amenities and a wider range of cultural and entertainment options. SDSU's campus in Brookings provides a more traditional college town experience, with a close-knit community and a focus on campus activities. The atmosphere at SDSU is generally considered more relaxed and community-oriented, while NDSU has a more energetic and diverse vibe due to its location.
How do the costs of attending NDSU and SDSU compare?

Tuition and fees at NDSU and SDSU are generally comparable, especially for residents of North Dakota and South Dakota. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. Fargo, being a larger city, might have slightly higher living expenses compared to Brookings. It's best to check the universities' websites for the most up-to-date cost information and consider your individual spending habits.
What are the athletic programs like at NDSU and SDSU?

Both NDSU and SDSU have strong athletic programs and compete in NCAA Division I. NDSU's football team has achieved significant national success in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision). SDSU also has competitive athletic teams across various sports. Both universities offer a vibrant athletic atmosphere and opportunities for students to participate in or support their teams.
Which university is better for research opportunities?

NDSU is generally considered to have a stronger emphasis on research, particularly in STEM fields. As a Carnegie R1 research institution, NDSU offers numerous research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. SDSU also provides research opportunities, especially in agricultural and biological sciences, but NDSU's research infrastructure and funding are typically more extensive.
How do NDSU and SDSU support student life and extracurricular activities?

Both universities offer a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance student life. NDSU, being in a larger city, may have a more diverse range of off-campus activities and cultural events. SDSU fosters a strong sense of community through its campus events and student-led initiatives. Both universities provide resources and support for students to get involved and connect with their peers.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at NDSU and SDSU?

Both NDSU and SDSU have career services offices that provide resources and support to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. NDSU's location in Fargo provides access to a wider range of industries and employers. SDSU has strong connections with agricultural and healthcare industries in South Dakota and the surrounding region. Job placement rates are generally high at both universities, reflecting the quality of their academic programs and career services.
How do NDSU and SDSU compare in terms of campus safety?

Both NDSU and SDSU prioritize campus safety and have dedicated police departments and security measures in place. Crime rates on both campuses are generally low. Both universities offer resources and programs to promote safety awareness and prevent crime. Students can feel safe and secure on both campuses.

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