South Dakota University vs CSU East Bay

Envision yourself pursuing higher education at either the University of South Dakota (USD) or California State University-East Bay (CSUEB). While both institutions offer a wealth of opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. USD, nestled in the vibrant city of Vermillion, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option. CSUEB, located in the dynamic Bay Area, attracts a more diverse student body, providing a rich multicultural experience. Explore their contrasting popular majors, ranging from nursing and education at USD to business and psychology at CSUEB. Discover the differences in graduation rates, indicative of each university's commitment to student success. Delve into the comparison table to uncover further insights and determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	California State University-East Bay	University of South Dakota
Overview
Location	Hayward, California	Vermillion, South Dakota
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Distant
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	80.0%	77.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	82.4%	87.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $20 Graduate: $35
SAT range	N/A	1050 - 1290
ACT range	N/A	19 - 25
Students submitting SAT score		3.0%
Students submitting ACT score		80.0%
Total number of applicants	14,448	4,272
Total number of admissions given out	11,899	3,717
Admitted students who chose to enroll	941	1,233
Yield rate	7.9%	33.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $29,378 Out of state: $41,258	In state: $25,657 Out of state: $29,167
Average net price	$12,631	$18,974
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $7,773 Out of state: $11,283
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,723 Meal plan: $4,650	Room/dormitory: $4,366 Meal plan: $4,234
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $8,540	84.0% Average amount $5,196
Students receiving federal student loan	17.0% Average amount $4,931	60.0% Average amount $5,102
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $12,200	14.0% Average amount $9,890

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	12,114 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%	6,987 Men 35.9% Women 64.1%
Graduate students	3,075 Men 33.8% Women 66.2%	2,477 Men 37.2% Women 62.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Very Low
Out-of-state students	2.3%	39.4%
International students	7.7%	2.7%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	1,634	2,154
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Hawaii Oregon Alaska	South Dakota Iowa Nebraska Minnesota Wisconsin

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Communication and Journalism	Health Professions Education Business Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio	24:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	48.4%	60.1%
Dropout rate	42.2%	14.2%
Transferred out	3.9%	24.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $99,479 Year 2: $113,585 Year 3: $127,920 Statistics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,165 Year 2: $78,785 Year 3: $97,059 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,891 Year 2: $79,838 Year 3: $93,792 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,466 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $93,531 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,056 Year 2: $80,309 Year 3: $85,641 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,200 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $74,105 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,406 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $73,621 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,738 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $72,620 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,666 Year 2: $64,087 Year 3: $70,695 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,229 Year 2: $60,878 Year 3: $69,691	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $110,722 Year 2: $100,951 Year 3: $109,099 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $88,473 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $100,634 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,587 Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $81,751 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $69,478 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,040 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $68,456 Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $58,011 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $68,011 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $62,632 Year 3: $64,788 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $65,801 Year 2: $65,170 Year 3: $64,105 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,161 Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $63,921 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $46,986 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $61,718

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between the University of South Dakota (USD) and California State University-East Bay (CSUEB)?

USD is located in Vermillion, South Dakota, a smaller, more traditional college town, offering a close-knit community feel. CSUEB, on the other hand, is situated in Hayward, California, within the San Francisco Bay Area. This provides access to a vibrant metropolitan environment with diverse cultural and professional opportunities. USD offers a classic Midwestern college experience, while CSUEB provides a more urban, West Coast setting.
How do the tuition costs compare between USD and CSUEB?

Generally, USD has a lower tuition cost, especially for in-state students. CSUEB, being a California State University, has relatively affordable tuition for California residents, but out-of-state tuition is significantly higher. Consider your residency status when evaluating the overall cost of attendance, including living expenses, which are generally higher in the Bay Area.
What are the academic strengths of USD and CSUEB?

USD is known for its strong programs in law, medicine, business, and the liberal arts. It also has a well-regarded fine arts program. CSUEB excels in business, education, health sciences, and computer science, leveraging its proximity to Silicon Valley. Consider your intended major and which university offers a stronger program in that field.
What is the student body size and diversity like at each university?

USD has a smaller student body, fostering a more intimate learning environment. While USD is working to increase diversity, CSUEB boasts a highly diverse student population, reflecting the demographics of the Bay Area. If you value a diverse student body, CSUEB might be a better fit.
What kind of campus life and extracurricular activities are available at USD and CSUEB?

USD offers a traditional college experience with a focus on campus activities, Greek life, and athletics. CSUEB, while having campus activities, is often seen as a commuter school, with many students living off-campus. USD provides a more immersive campus life, while CSUEB offers greater flexibility and access to off-campus opportunities in the Bay Area.
How do the career opportunities differ for graduates of USD and CSUEB?

USD graduates often find opportunities in the Midwest, particularly in fields like law, medicine, and business within the region. CSUEB graduates benefit from the university's location in the Bay Area, with access to numerous internships and job opportunities in technology, business, and healthcare. Your desired career path and geographic preference should influence your decision.
What are the admission requirements for USD and CSUEB?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program and your academic record. Generally, both universities require a high school diploma or equivalent and standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place). CSUEB, as part of the CSU system, has specific course requirements for admission. Check each university's website for the most up-to-date admission criteria.
How do the faculty and class sizes compare between USD and CSUEB?

USD generally has smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. CSUEB may have larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses, but still offers opportunities to connect with faculty. If you prefer a more intimate learning environment, USD might be a better choice.
What resources are available for international students at USD and CSUEB?

Both USD and CSUEB offer resources for international students, including visa assistance, language support, and cultural programs. CSUEB, due to its location and diverse student body, may have a larger and more established international student support network. Research the specific resources offered by each university to determine which best meets your needs.
What is the overall reputation and ranking of USD and CSUEB?

USD is a well-regarded regional university with a strong reputation in the Midwest. CSUEB is a respected public university within the California State University system, known for providing access to higher education and preparing students for careers in the Bay Area. Rankings should be considered as one factor among many when making your decision.

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