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College

South Dakota State University

#2 in Top Public Universities in South Dakota
  • B+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Brookings, SD
  • 1,212 reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    B
  2. Value
    A-
  3. Diversity
    A-
  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
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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
890-1160
ACT Range
20-26
Application Fee
$20
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
—
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Cost

Net Price
$21,421/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $18,001/ year
  • $30-48k
    $18,961/ year
  • $49-75k
    $21,807/ year
  • $76-110k
    $22,978/ year
  • $110k+
    $23,035/ year
Student Loan Options from Lenders
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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.82 responses
52%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.81 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 Studies
    75 Graduates
  • Human Development
    73 Graduates
  • Mechanical Engineering
    65 Graduates
  • Economics
    61 Graduates
  • Agronomy, Range, and Crop Science
    55 Graduates
  • Agricultural Business
    52 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
8,474Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
4%
Pell Grant
25%
Varsity Athletes
6%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 56 responses
Report
  • Helpful, Happy, & Active
    36%
  • Energetic & willing to participate in activities
    32%
  • Only interested in the next party.
    11%
  • Sheltered small town kid
    9%
  • Many like to party many are focused on studies
    7%
  • Diverse
    2%
  • Outgoing
    2%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
57%
of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.101 responses
Poll
77%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.115 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 62 responses
Report
  • Go Jacks. :)
    40%
  • We put the culture in agriculture
    26%
  • Awesome!
    11%
  • Small town feeling school that is highly regarded
    11%
  • I can go anywhere from here once graduated.
    6%
  • Boring
    2%
  • Helping the leaders of tomorrow grow and succeed
    2%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$42,000/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
53%
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
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South Dakota State University Reviews

1,212 reviews
All Categories
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.
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Very nice nursing program with lots of great opportunities! The involvement between students, academics, sports, and organizations is amazing. There is always something available to every student to keep them involved. Absolutely love this college choice.
South Dakota State University is a place I have been able to grow and succeed in my college career so far. I believe that a diploma from SDSU is as good as any college in the nation. The professors on campus are ready and willing to help, the clubs are fun and involved, and most of all the campus will make you feel right at home. The people that make up SDSU are top notch and in my opinion there is no place better!