South Dakota State University campus
South Dakota State University logo

South Dakota State University

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale Town: Remote
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Medium
Dormitory capacity 4,488
Student to faculty ratio 17 to 1
Acceptance rate 87%
Students retention rate 80%
On-time graduation rate 60%

Located in Brookings, South Dakota, SDSU is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 87% indicates that SDSU is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

South Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

SDSU boasts an impressive student retention rate of 80% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 65% and 72%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

87.4%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$9,299

Cost of attendance at South Dakota State University in 2022 for students from South Dakota.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

South Dakota's average $8,020
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$12,809

Cost of attendance at South Dakota State University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

South Dakota's average $10,613
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 81 of freshman students at South Dakota State University received on average $4,747 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$4,747
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 444 22% $4,345 $1,929,386
Other Federal Grant 672 33% $4,267 $2,867,479
State Grant/Scholarships 520 26% $1,367 $710,850
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 1,424 70% $2,971 $4,230,374
Total Grant & Scholarships 1,645 81% $4,747 $7,808,703

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of South Dakota State University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of South Dakota State University students is 59.5%. Female students graduated at a rate of 63.0%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 55.9%.

59.5%

  • asian 63.0% 17 students
  • African American 43.3% 13 students
  • white 61.6% 1,152 students
  • unknown 66.7% 2 students
  • hispanic 45.0% 18 students
  • International Students 45.6% 36 students
  • Mixed Race 53.1% 26 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Missouri Valley Conference
  • Baseball The Summit League
  • Basketball The Summit League
  • Track and Cross Country The Summit League

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

South Dakota State University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

South Dakota State University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training