# South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/south-dakota-state-university

South Dakota State University is a public college in Brookings, SD with 9,198 undergraduates. It admits 98% of applicants, and admitted students average 1120 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $20,139 per year ($16,643 for families earning under $30,000). 62% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $58,802 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 98% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 5,884 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 5,808 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 530–610 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 530–630 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 19–25 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $24,923 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $20,139 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $16,643 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $14,891 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $16,629 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $20,566 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $22,227 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 9,198 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 62% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $58,802 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,008 (FY2024) |

## What South Dakota State University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Required
- Essay or personal statement: Considered
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is South Dakota State University's acceptance rate?**

South Dakota State University admits 98% of applicants, which makes it open.

**What SAT score do you need for South Dakota State University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 530–610 on SAT Reading and Writing and 530–630 on SAT Math; the average total is 1120.

**What ACT score do you need for South Dakota State University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 19–25.

**Is South Dakota State University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to South Dakota State University?**

In Fall 2023, 5,884 students applied to South Dakota State University and 5,808 were admitted; 2,274 enrolled.

**Does South Dakota State University consider legacy status?**

No. South Dakota State University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does South Dakota State University require an essay?**

South Dakota State University reported that an essay or personal statement is considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does South Dakota State University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $24,923 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $20,139.

**What is South Dakota State University's graduation rate?**

62% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 219356. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology