Skip to content

University of Sioux Falls vs University of South Dakota

University of Sioux Falls is a private university in Sioux Falls, SD, and University of South Dakota is a public university in Vermillion, SD. University of Sioux Falls is the more selective of the two, admitting about 83% of applicants against 99% at University of South Dakota. University of South Dakota is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,858 a year against $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls. About 62% of students graduate at University of Sioux Falls, compared with 61% at University of South Dakota. Ten years after enrolling, University of Sioux Falls alumni earn a median of about $54,521, against $51,926 for University of South Dakota.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD · Private

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Sioux Falls, SD
Vermillion, SD
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,218
5,439
Acceptance rate
83%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1230
1125–1315
ACT (middle 50%)
20–25
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,383
$19,858
Full cost / yr
$34,274
$24,422
In-state tuition
$21,750
$9,432
Out-of-state tuition
$21,750
$12,942
Application fee
$0
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,145
$14,921
$30k - $48k
$17,804
$15,942
$48k - $75k
$17,992
$18,540
$75k - $110k
$21,375
$21,202
Over $110k
$24,038
$22,193
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
61%
Freshman retention
75%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,712
$46,290
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,521
$51,926
Median debt at graduation
$23,249
$23,592
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
19%
First-generation students
25%
24%
International students
1%
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 University of Sioux Falls or University of South Dakota harder to get into?
University of Sioux Falls is harder to get into. It admits about 83% 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, University of Sioux Falls or University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,858 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls. 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 University of Sioux Falls and University of South Dakota?
Before aid, University of South Dakota costs about $24,422 a year and University of Sioux Falls about $34,274. 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, University of Sioux Falls or University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,921 there, against about $18,145 at University of Sioux Falls. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Sioux Falls or University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota is the larger of the two, with about 5,439 undergraduates against 1,218 at University of Sioux Falls.
Does University of Sioux Falls or University of South Dakota have a better graduation rate?
University of Sioux Falls has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 61% at University of South Dakota.
Do graduates of University of Sioux Falls or University of South Dakota earn more?
University of Sioux Falls alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,521 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,926 for University of South Dakota. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Sioux Falls and University of South Dakota require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Sioux Falls 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 University of Sioux Falls and University of South Dakota look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1230 at University of Sioux Falls and 1125–1315 at University of South Dakota. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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