South Dakota State University is a public 4-year college in Brookings, South Dakota with 9,198 undergraduates. It admits 98% of applicants, costs an average of $20,139 a year after grants and graduates 62% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
South Dakota State University acceptance rate and admissions
South Dakota State University admitted 98% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
SAT total
1060 to 1240
4001600
ACT composite
19 to 25
136
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 530 to 610, math 530 to 630). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
South Dakota State University tuition, cost and net price
Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26)
$9,554
Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26)
$13,166
On-campus housing and food (2025-26)
$10,648
Total cost of attendance (2024-25)
$24,923
Average net price after grants (2024-25)
$20,139
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $20,139 a year after grants and scholarships, $4,784 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
South Dakota State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
62%finished within 6 years84%came back for year two19%get a Pell Grant
62% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
Former students earned a median of $58,802 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Students who completed left with a median of $21,008 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
South Dakota State University$58,802
South Dakota median, public 4-year$55,847
U.S. median, public 4-year$59,509
Debt compared
South Dakota State University$21,008
South Dakota median$21,369
U.S. median$19,500
Median debt is 36% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
South Dakota State University majors and what graduates earn
South Dakota State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 72 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from pharmacy ($122,169).
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at South Dakota State University
66 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Trade and career programs at South Dakota State University
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
What is the acceptance rate at South Dakota State University?
South Dakota State University admitted 98% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does South Dakota State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $9,554 for in-state students and $13,166 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $20,139 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for South Dakota State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 530 to 610 in reading and writing and 530 to 630 in math, and 19 to 25 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is South Dakota State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, South Dakota State University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at South Dakota State University?
62% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do South Dakota State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $58,802 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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