South Dakota State University Overview

South Dakota State University is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Brookings, SD. It has an enrollment of 8,651 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 87.43%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,402. Tuition is $9,299.00 without financial aid.

South Dakota State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At South Dakota State University, 79.86% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

South Dakota State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1.

South Dakota State University Website

South Dakota State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 87.43%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1119.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 22.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

South Dakota State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,402. The in-state tuition is $9,299.00. Out-of-state tuition is $12,809.00

The average tuition is:

• $13,901, when family income is less than $30,000

• $15,639, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $18,038, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $19,546, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $19,975, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 49.01% of students received a federal student loan and 18.46% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $12,809.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

South Dakota State University Net Price Calculator

South Dakota State University Majors/Salaries

South Dakota State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at South Dakota State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Agriculture, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
• Agricultural Business and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,340
• Agricultural Mechanization. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,520
• Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,568
• Agricultural Public Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,529
• Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,441
• Plant Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,151
• Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,423
• Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. (Master’s Degree) – $52,107
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,960
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,119
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,213
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $74,845
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $40,089
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,485
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,124
• Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $67,660
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $74,576
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,322
• Construction Engineering Technologies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,776
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,126
• Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,072
• Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,726
• Apparel and Textiles. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Associate’s Degree) – $26,353
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,009
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,193
• Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,755
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,856
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,033
• Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Master’s Degree) – $40,140
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,526
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,416
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,236
• Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,234
• Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. (First Professional Degree) – $117,014
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,860
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (First Professional Degree) – $92,277
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,798
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,424
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,704
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,424

South Dakota State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at South Dakota State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 1.01%
• Asian: 1.13%
• Black: 2.02%
• Hispanic: 2.55%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.02%
• Non-resident alien: 2.79%
• Two or more races: 2.09%
• Unknown: 1.19%
• White: 87.19%

At South Dakota State University, 7.36% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

South Dakota State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University has a strong school spirit, with a variety of opportunities for students to engage in campus life and connect with the Jackrabbit community. The university has a Division I athletics program, with popular sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, and wrestling, which attract many students, alumni, and fans to games and events. Additionally, SDSU has a wide range of student organizations and clubs, including the Jackrabbit Spirit Squad, which is responsible for promoting school spirit at sporting events and other university activities. Many students also participate in the annual homecoming celebration, which includes a parade, football game, and an array of spirit events. Overall, South Dakota State University offers a vibrant and active campus culture that fosters a strong sense of school pride and community.

What are some popular extracurriculars at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and organizations for its students. Some popular extracurriculars at South Dakota State University include: 1. Student Government Association 2. Fraternities and Sororities 3. Club sports teams such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer 4. Musical and theatre productions 5. Service organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Big Brother Big Sister program 6. Volunteer work with local charities and non-profit organizations 7. Academic and professional organizations like the Pre-Law, Pre-Med, and Business Clubs 8. Political and Activist clubs like College Democrats and College Republicans. 9. Student newspapers and journals. These are just a few examples of the extracurricular activities available at South Dakota State University. There are many other clubs and organizations on campus to suit a variety of interests, and students are encouraged to get involved to enhance their college experience.

How are the food choices at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University offers a variety of food choices on campus, from traditional dining halls to food courts and cafes. The campus has multiple dining locations, including Jack’s Place, the Union Food Court, and the Market House. In addition to traditional meal options, there are also plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices available. The university also has a registered dietician on staff to help students with dietary concerns or restrictions. Overall, South Dakota State University prides itself on providing a diverse and healthy selection of food choices for its students.

Is there Greek life at South Dakota State University?

Yes, South Dakota State University has Greek life, with 10 recognized fraternities and 8 recognized sororities. Greek life organizations at SDSU include national organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Chi Fraternity, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and more.

What is South Dakota State University known for?

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, nursing, and pharmacy. It is a land-grant institution and is the state’s largest university with over 12,000 students. The university has a strong reputation for its research in the areas of biosciences, environmental sciences, and computational sciences. SDSU is also recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars among master’s-granting institutions. Additionally, the university is known for its extensive online education programs, offering over 40 online degree programs.

What are the most popular school clubs at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. Some of the most popular school clubs at South Dakota State University include: 1. Student Government Association 2. University Programming Council 3. Residence Hall Association 4. Greek Life organizations 5. Jacks for Life 6. Sports Clubs (intramural and club) These are just a few of the most popular clubs at SDSU. There are also academic clubs, cultural organizations, and philanthropy groups offered at the university.

Is the campus at South Dakota State University safe?

Yes, the campus at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is considered to be safe. SDSU has its own police department that patrols the campus 24/7 to ensure the safety of its students. The university also offers safety programs for students, such as self-defense classes and safety escorts for those who might need it. Additionally, SDSU has security cameras located throughout the campus and provides an emergency notification system that sends alerts to students in case of a campus-wide emergency.