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South Dakota State University

#2 in Top Public Universities in South Dakota
  • 4 Year
  • Brookings, SD
  • 1,255 reviews
    How to Apply
    B+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      B
    2. Value
      A-
    3. Diversity
      B+
    4. Campus
      B+
    5. Athletics
      A-
    6. Party Scene
      A-
    7. Professors
      B
    8. Location
      B+
    9. Dorms
      B+
    10. Campus Food
      B
    11. Student Life
      A-
    12. Safety
      B
    View Full Report Card
    South Dakota State is an above-average public university located in Brookings, South Dakota. It is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 8,425 undergraduate students. The South Dakota State acceptance rate is 91%. Popular majors include Nursing, Animal Sciences and Husbandry, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. Graduating 55% of students, South Dakota State alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $37,900.
    About South Dakota State University...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I-FCS
    Athletic Conference
    Missouri Valley Conference
    Address
    Campanile Avenue
    Brookings, SD 57007
    Website
    sdstate.edu
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    South Dakota State University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    91%
    Application Deadline
    —
    SAT Range
    980-1260
    ACT Range
    20-26
    Application Fee
    $20
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    —

    Test Prep

    SAT and ACT Prep Options
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    • Affordable, effective, and enjoyable online test prep
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    Cost

    Net Price
    $18,204/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $4,201/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    92%

    Academics

    Professors
    B
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    17:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    No
    68%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.74 responses
    71%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.85 responses
    52%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.84 responses
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    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Nursing
      334 Graduates
    • Animal Sciences and Husbandry
      109 Graduates
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      102 Graduates
    • Biology
      84 Graduates
    • Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
      75 Graduates
    • Human Development
      73 Graduates
    • Mechanical Engineering
      65 Graduates
    • Economics
      61 Graduates
    • Crop and Soil Sciences
      55 Graduates
    • Agricultural Business
      54 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    8,425Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    2,460
    Undergrads Over 25
    4%
    Pell Grant
    23%
    Varsity Athletes
    6%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 59 responses
    Report
    • Helpful, Happy, & Active
      34%
    • Energetic & willing to participate in activities
      31%
    • Many like to party many are focused on studies
      10%
    • Only interested in the next party.
      10%
    • Sheltered small town kid
      10%
    • Diverse
      2%
    • Outgoing
      2%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    —
    Poll
    58%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.104 responses
    Poll
    75%
    of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.118 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 65 responses
    Report
    • Go Jacks. :)
      42%
    • We put the culture in agriculture
      25%
    • Awesome!
      11%
    • Small town feeling school that is highly regarded
      11%
    • I can go anywhere from here once graduated.
      6%
    • Home away from home
      3%
    • Boring
      2%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $44,400/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    55%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    96%
    National
    83%
    89%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.57 responses
    Colleges like South Dakota State University
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    South Dakota State University Reviews

    1,255 reviews
    All Categories
    I love the campus here! There are so many ways to stay involved in extracurricular activities and clubs to join. The professors want you to do good in your academics and will help you be successful. There are also lots of opportunities for extra academic help like the free tutoring program, supplemental instruction sessions, review sessions, and study stops. The Wellness center has many counseling services for all types of needs as well. The facilities on campus are amazing.
    Start Your Review of South Dakota State University
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    I have enjoyed my first year of college at SDSU because I have met some great people here on campus! My Community Assistant has been very helpful in helping with homework I do not understand, or referring to someone else who could be more helpful. Daniels always encouraged us to come and chat with her if we ever needed to. My pre-calculus professor was always helpful with confusing homework and my speech teacher was very good about helping me find a better way to present my speech. Things that could be changed are better advertisement for sports events. I also do not like it that the university forces us to use so much money as freshman for food. I do not eat that much food, and often bring back soup or something else my mom has cooked. We do not get the money we did not use for food back which stinks. Because I do not like having to go buy things just to get rid of my money.
    Overall, for my first year, the experience here has been pretty good. The campus is average, if not small, so it is easy to navigate and travel. They have many degrees that are hard to find in other colleges, for example, engineering degrees like civil engineering. I haven't had a bad experience yet with my professors, and most seem eager to help me understand the content we are learning. However, one of the negatives is the food options on campus. For those living exclusively on campus, the choices for what to eat are sparse and mediocre. But overall, it was a pleasant experience.