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.
South Dakota State University is a public university located in Brookings, SD. It has a campus size of 387 acres. This educational institution operates on 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 all the 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
You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to improve your chances of being accepted. How difficult is it to get admitted to South Dakota State University and what are the admission requirements?
According to the most recent data, this school 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 considers 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 incoming 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 ACT composite average score for all the admitted students in 2023 was 23 while the average GPA was 3.56. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into South Dakota State University; the same goes for your ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 568 for the newly enrolled students, while the average SAT Math score was 576.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is the percentage of college or university newcomers who return for their sophomore year. That information can tell you if the majority of freshmen liked their first year enough to come back.
As reported in 2023, the freshman retention rate for South Dakota State University was 78.8%, a testament to the outstanding educational experience provided by this institution.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It provides valuable insight into the percentage of students who complete their studies within a designated timeframe. At this academic institution, the proportion of students graduating in six years is 59%.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the best choice for you. Having a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2023, the school had an enrollment of 11,340 students.
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 foreign students. The number of transfer students at this school was 462.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 3,804 male and 4,350 female full-time students in 2023, which is indicative of the value gender equality has at this school. This school had 235 full-time graduate male and 312 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
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 African American students was 150. 243 undergraduates at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 176 as multirace. The school also had 4 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 72 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 184 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to think about before applying to any college or university. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition cost for this university.
For the students who live in the area, the tuition cost was $7,773, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. For students who don't live in the state in which the university is located, the tuition was $11,283 in 2023. If you are an international student at South Dakota State University, you should know that the 2023 tuition amounted to $11,283, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students summed up to $1,526 in 2023.
| 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 consideration as another significant financial element. Most students have to give about $1,200 for books and supplies during their time at South Dakota State University.
Boarding
Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. 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 $7,258 per academic year. If you only wanted a dormitory room, it cost $4,136 for the 2023 academic year.
| Tuition | $ 7,773 |
| Room and Board | $ 7,258 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,200 |
| Total Expense | $ 16,231 |
Financial Aid
Financial support for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get the info about need-based and non-need-based aid students could get at South Dakota State University.
The most recent records show that 999 freshmen received some sort of financial help. Students of this school received an average of $10,269 in financial help.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
There were 3,777 students who obtained need-based financial aid of any kind. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need came to be 3,831. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution reached $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 aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements 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.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 311 students overall (including freshmen) at South Dakota State University 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. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $2,501,191 USD.
Majors
Faculty
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
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. According to the most recent information, there are 407 teachers at this school. 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
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some details about social life at South Dakota State University.
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.
This number includes sororities and fraternities. The percentage of male students who are members of organizations is 2 and female students 1. 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. You have a passion for 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 pleasant and secure life on campus.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. The dormitory entrances at the school are electronically controlled. There is a 24-hour security patrol. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
There is 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.
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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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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for South Dakota State University is 86%.
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The most recent data indicate that the 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.