# University of South Dakota

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

University of South Dakota is a public college in Vermillion, SD with 5,439 undergraduates. It admits 99% of applicants, and admitted students average 1125 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $20,028 per year ($16,823 for families earning under $30,000). 60% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $58,316 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 99% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 5,349 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 5,293 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 530–620 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 595–695 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 19–25 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $25,752 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $20,028 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $16,823 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $15,550 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $17,356 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $20,898 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $23,148 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 5,439 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 60% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $58,316 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,000 (FY2024) |

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

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

## FAQ

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

University of South Dakota admits 99% of applicants, which makes it open.

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

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 530–620 on SAT Reading and Writing and 595–695 on SAT Math; the average total is 1125.

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

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

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

Test optional (considered if submitted).

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

In Fall 2023, 5,349 students applied to University of South Dakota and 5,293 were admitted; 1,359 enrolled.

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

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

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

University of South Dakota reported that an essay or personal statement is not considered for admission (Fall 2023).

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

The sticker cost of attendance is $25,752 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $20,028.

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

60% 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 219471. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology