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South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in Brookings, South Dakota. Established in 1881, it is the oldest university in the state and has grown to become the largest and most comprehensive higher education institution in South Dakota. SDSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields including agriculture, engineering, nursing, education, business, and the liberal arts.
One of the notable aspects of SDSU is its strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university is classified as a research university with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, and its faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as health sciences, renewable energy, and food safety. SDSU also provides students with many research opportunities, allowing them to work alongside faculty members and gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Beyond academics and research, SDSU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams. The university's varsity sports teams are known as the Jackrabbits and compete in the NCAA Division I Summit League. Students can support their teams, attend various cultural and sporting events, or participate in intramural sports. The campus also features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern residence halls, a student center, a wellness center, and a performing arts center, ensuring students have access to the resources they need for a well-rounded college experience.
Overall, South Dakota State University is a prestigious institution that offers a diverse range of academic programs, research opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. With its commitment to innovation and research, SDSU provides students with a supportive environment for intellectual growth and development. Whether students are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, engineering, or any other field, they can find a quality education and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth at South Dakota State University.
Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public university. This institution follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 86%. The freshman retention rate at South Dakota State University is 78.8% and the six-year graduation rate is 59%.
Explore this school's profile to find out the most essential things about South Dakota State University.
Quick Facts
9,930
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
86%
Acceptance Rate
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
59%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
In order to maximize your chances of getting admitted, you need to know as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission. Read on to learn some essential information about admission policy and requirements at South Dakota State University.
According to the most recent information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 5,478 in 2023. South Dakota State University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the student. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
3% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 83% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 56% of the enrolled students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 23% between 1,200 and 1,399, 6% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 15% between 800 and 999. The percent of freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 7, 32 between 24-29, 49 in the range between 18-23, and 12 between 12-17.
The average ACT score for all the enrolled students in 2023 was 23 and the average GPA was 3.56. That means you'll most likely need an above-average GPA to get accepted as well as an above-average ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 568 and an average SAT Math score of 576.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for South Dakota State University was 78.8% in 2023, a testament to the outstanding educational experience provided by this institution.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year completion rate at this institution is 59%.
Student Body
Deciding if a school is the right fit for you is not an easy task. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by learning more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at South Dakota State University in 2023 was 11,340.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 47% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 9,930, 243 of which were international students. 462 students were accepted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 3,804 male and 4,350 female full-time students in 2023. There were 235 full-time graduate male and 312 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
In order to promote a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at South Dakota State University.
In 2023, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 105, while the number of Afro-American students was 150. 243 students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 176 identified with more than one race. The school also had 4 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 72 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 184 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
One of the most crucial things to take into account when applying to any college or university is the financial component. Here are some important information on South Dakota State University costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at South Dakota State University? Here is what you need to know.
For the students who live in the area, the tuition cost was $7,773, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $11,283. For the students coming from abroad, tuition at this school was $11,283, as well. Full-time students in 2023 had to pay additional fees in the amount of $1,526.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $11,283 | $1,526 | $12,809 |
| In-State | $7,773 | $1,526 | $9,299 |
Books and Supplies
The approximate cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another significant financial factor. The estimated cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $750.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
In 2023, the price of room and board at South Dakota State University was $10,176 per academic year. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school totaled $5,314, according to the data from 2023.
| Tuition | $ 7,773 |
| Room and Board | $ 10,176 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 750 |
| Total Expense | $ 18,699 |
Financial Aid
There are different types of financial aid: grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. If you wish to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at South Dakota State University, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
According to the most recent data, 999 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $10,269.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
There were 3,777 students who got need-based financial aid of any kind. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 3,831. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution was $10,381,257, and state $1,335,113. The students of South Dakota State University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $4,805,842, and external in the amount of $2,626,145.
$2,558
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
311 students, including freshmen, obtained institutional non-need-based financial aid at this school in 2023. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 123 full-time freshman. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $10,381,257 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $239,566. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $5,520,301. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $2,501,191 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
In 2023, this ratio at South Dakota State University was 18:1. That means that there were 18 times more students than teachers at this school. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 407. Out of that number, there were 301 men and 320 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at South Dakota State University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
It is not all about learning and grades at South Dakota State University: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Check out some details about social life at South Dakota State University.
Its campus spans 387 acres.
Student Organizations
A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.
Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. 2 percent of male and 1 of female students take part in in different organizations at South Dakota State University. If you are interested in music, you can join the South Dakota State University band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. Interested in media and communication? South Dakota State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
South Dakota State University offers a number of services necessary for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services and Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of South Dakota State University.
All in all, campus life at South Dakota State University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at South Dakota State University.
Career Counselling
There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students.
FAQ
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South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, SD.
-
This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for South Dakota State University is 86%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for South Dakota State University is 78.8%.
Contact Information
South Dakota State University,
1015 Campanile Avenue
Brookings, SD
57007
605 688-4121
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.