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South Dakota State University vs University of South Dakota

South Dakota State University is a public university in Brookings, SD. University of South Dakota is a public university in Vermillion, SD. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants and University of South Dakota about 99%, making South Dakota State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,841 a year at South Dakota State University after aid, and about $19,858 at University of South Dakota. About 61% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, South Dakota State University alumni earn a median of about $55,070, against $51,926 for University of South Dakota.

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South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Brookings, SD
Vermillion, SD
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
9,198
5,439
Acceptance rate
98%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1060–1240
1125–1315
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,841
$19,858
Full cost / yr
$24,636
$24,422
In-state tuition
$9,299
$9,432
Out-of-state tuition
$12,809
$12,942
Application fee
$20
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,266
$14,921
$30k - $48k
$15,248
$15,942
$48k - $75k
$18,073
$18,540
$75k - $110k
$20,706
$21,202
Over $110k
$21,886
$22,193
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
61%
Freshman retention
84%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,564
$46,290
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,070
$51,926
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$23,592
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
19%
First-generation students
20%
24%
International students
4%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota harder to get into?
South Dakota State University is harder to get into. It admits about 98% of applicants, compared with 99% at University of South Dakota. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota?
South Dakota State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,841 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,858 at University of South Dakota. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota?
Before aid, University of South Dakota costs about $24,422 a year and South Dakota State University about $24,636. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota?
South Dakota State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,266 there, against about $14,921 at University of South Dakota. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota?
South Dakota State University is the larger of the two, with about 9,198 undergraduates against 5,439 at University of South Dakota.
Does South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota have a better graduation rate?
Both graduate about 61% of their students.
Do graduates of South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota earn more?
South Dakota State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,070 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,926 for University of South Dakota. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota require SAT or ACT scores?
South Dakota State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of South Dakota is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1060–1240 at South Dakota State University and 1125–1315 at University of South Dakota. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school