StateUniversity.com – U.S. University Directory [ State University List ]
p. 605-688-4151
w. www3.sdstate.edu
Note, this school has an ambiguous address and may not be represented accurately in the map above.
South Dakota State University
Academics, History, Financial Aid, Alumni, Campus, Students, Faculty, Address, and Tuition
- NEW - College and University Blog with many tips like acing the ACTs, SATs, college admissions, and preparing for college.
- University Forum and Discussion - Brand New Message Board For All Your Questions
- Information on Thousands of Careers - One-stop resource for very comprehensive, and up-to-date career information. Contains more than several thousand job profiles each with a job description, education and training requirements, salary information, working conditions, employment outlook and much more!
- Student Encyclopedia - Encyclopedia for reference and research from the Cambridge Collection.
Information Summary
Ranks 461st overall and 1st in South Dakota
| Overall Score
On StateUniversity.com (about) |
84.3 |
|---|---|
| Total Cost
On-Campus Attendance |
$14,871 |
| Admission
Success rate |
94% |
| ACT
75 %ile scores |
25 |
| Student Ratio
Ratio of students to faculty |
19 : 1 |
| Retention
(Full-Time / Part-Time) |
77% / 46% |
| Enrollment
Total (all students) |
11,303 |
Carnegie Foundation Classification
Research Universities (high research activity)
| Undergraduate | Professions plus arts & sciences, some graduate coexistence |
|---|---|
| Graduate | STEM dominant |
| Undergraduate Population | Full-time four-year, selective, higher transfer-in |
| Enrollment | Very high undergraduate |
| Size & Setting | Medium four-year, primarily residential |
General Characteristics
| Highest offering | Doctoral degree |
|---|---|
| Calendar System | Semester |
| Years of college work required | N/A |
| Variable Tuition |  |
Special Learning Opportunities
| Distance Learning | |
|---|---|
| ROTC — Army / Navy / Airforce | —
/
 /
|
| Study Abroad | |
| Weekend College | |
| Teacher Certification | |
Student Tuition Costs and Fees
What are the typical tuition costs and fees for attending South Dakota State University?
Ranks 1900th for total cost of attendance
| In District | In State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FT Undergraduate Tuition | $2,478 | $2,478 | $3,716 |
| FT Undergraduate Required Fees | $2,895 | $2,895 | $2,895 |
| PT Undergraduate per Credit Hour | $179 | $179 | $220 |
| FT Graduate Tuition | $3,006 | $3,006 | $8,863 |
| FT Graduate Required Fees | $2,316 | $2,316 | $2,316 |
| PT Graduate per Credit Hour | $222 | $222 | $466 |
| Total Cost of Attendance — On-Campus | $14,871 | $14,871 | $16,109 |
| Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus w/out Family | $6,349 | $6,349 | $7,587 |
| Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus with Family | $6,349 | $6,349 | $7,587 |
Student Tuition Costs for Professional Fields
What are the typical tuition costs and fees for getting a professional degree?
| In State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacology Degree — Tuition | $2,974 | $9,446 |
| Pharmacology Degree — Required Fees | $7,376 | $7,376 |
Student Tuition Cost History and Trends
Three year history and trends on the cost of attending
| In District | In State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published Tuition & Fees | $4,731  $5,373 |
$4,731  $5,373 |
$9,719  $6,611 |
| Cost (regardless of residency) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Books & Supplies | $896  $976 |
||
| On-Campus – Room & Board | $4,252  $5,240 |
||
| On-Campus – Other Expenses | $3,382  $3,282 |
||
| Off-Campus w/out Family – Room & Board | N/A  N/A |
||
| Off-Campus w/out Family – Other Expenses | N/A  N/A |
||
| Off-Campus with Family – Room & Board | N/A  N/A |
||
Admission Details
| Application Fee Required | N/A |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Application Fee | $20 |
| Graduate Application Fee | $35 |
| First Professional Application Fee | $35 |
| Applicants | 3,738 (1,865 male / 1,873 female) |
| Admitted | 3,519 (1,743 male / 1,776 female) |
| Admission rate | 94% |
| First-time Enrollment | 2,022 (1,022 male / 1,000 female) |
| FT Enrollment | 1,953 (998 male / 955 female) |
| PT Enrollment | 69 (24 male / 45 female) |
| Total Enrollment | 11,303 |
Admission Criteria
What criteria does South Dakota State University use for admissions?
| Open Admissions | |
|---|---|
| Secondary School GPA / Rank / Record |  / / |
| College Prep. Completion | |
| Recommendations | N/A |
| Formal competency demo | N/A |
| Admission test scores | |
| TOEFL | |
| Other tests | N/A |
= Recommended, 
= Neither required nor recommended
Admission Credits Accepted
What types of credits does South Dakota State University accept?
| Dual Credit | |
|---|---|
| Life Experience | |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | |
Athletics - Association Memberships
| Sports / Athletic Conference Memberships | NCAA |
|---|---|
| NCAA Football Conference | Gateway Football Conference |
| NCAA Basketball Conference | Mid-Continent Conference |
| NCAA Baseball Conference | Mid-Continent Conference |
| NCAA Track & Field Conference | Mid-Continent Conference |
ACT Test Admission
Ranks 510th for 75pctl scores
| Applicants submitting ACT results | 98% |
|---|---|
| Verbal scores (25/75 %ile) | 19 / 25 |
| Math scores (25/75 %ile) | 19 / 26 |
| Cumulative scores (25/75 %ile) | 20 / 25 |
Student Services
| Remedial Services | |
|---|---|
| Academic / Career Counseling | |
| PT Cost-defraying Employment | |
| Career Placement | |
| On-Campus Day Care | |
| Library Facility | |
Student Living
| First-time Room / Board Required | |
|---|---|
| Dorm Capacity | 3,643 |
| Meals per Week | N/A |
| Room Fee | $2,348 |
| Board Fee | $2,892 |
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
South Dakota State University Ranks 2098th for the average student loan amount.
| Average | Users | % of Attendees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Grant Aid | $3,465 | 461 |  26% |
| State & Local Grant Aid | $1,803 | 860 |  48% |
| Institutional Grant Aid | $1,570 | 1,150 |  64% |
| Student Loan Aid | $4,534 | 1,219 |  68% |
| Any financial aid type | 1,640 |  92% |
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at South Dakota State University?
| Men | Women | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
Non Resident Alien | 167 | 85 | 252 |
Black Non-Hispanic | 67 | 31 | 98 |
Hispanic | 32 | 46 | 78 |
Asian / Pacific Islander | 50 | 50 | 100 |
American Indian / Alaskan Native | 58 | 120 | 178 |
White Non-Hispanic | 4,690 | 5,365 | 10,055 |
Race Unknown | 300 | 242 | 542 |
| Total | 5,364 | 5,939 | 11,303 |
Student Graduation Demographics
How many students graduated at South Dakota State University?
| Men | Women | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
Non Resident Alien | 1 | N/A | 1 |
Black Non-Hispanic | 4 | 3 | 7 |
Hispanic | 3 | 2 | 5 |
Asian / Pacific Islander | 4 | 4 | 8 |
American Indian / Alaskan Native | 6 | 9 | 15 |
White Non-Hispanic | 665 | 698 | 1,363 |
Race Unknown | 23 | 24 | 47 |
| Total | 706 | 740 | 1,446 |
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at South Dakota State University.
| Men | Women | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 244 | 270 | |
| 54 | 53 | 107 | |
| 56 | 40 | 96 | |
| 48 | 17 | 65 | |
| 19 | 41 | 60 |
Student Completion / Graduation Demographics
How many students are successful graduates?
Faculty Compensation / Salaries
South Dakota State University Ranks 1138th for the average full-time faculty salary.
| Tenure system | |
|---|---|
| Average FT Salary | $59,108 ($62,390 male / $54,458 female) |
| Number of FT Faculty | 423 (248 male / 175 female) |
| Number of PT Faculty | 182 |
| FT Faculty Ratio | 2 : 1 |
| Total Benefits | $5,708,861 |
South Dakota State University Summary
The following paragraph provided courtesy of wikipedia.
South Dakota State University is the largest university in the U.S. state of South Dakota, located in Brookings. SDSU is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents, which governs the state’s six public universities and two special schools. On January 1, 2007, David Chicoine became the 19th President of South Dakota State University. The name was changed in 1904 to South Dakota State College of Agricultural and Mechanic Arts. In 1964, the name was changed to South Dakota State University, reflecting the more comprehensive education offered at the university. The 375+ member SDSU Marching Band, “The Pride of the Dakotas,” given the special name the Millennium Band in 2000 by the South Dakota State Legislature, has marched in the 1981 and 1997 Presidential Inaugural Parades in Washington, DC; In 2004, SDSU began a transition to NCAA Division I, ending its long association with the NCAA Division II North Central Conference and its century-old intrastate rivalry with the University of South Dakota. They received a bye in the first round and continued on to victories over Illinois State and Indiana University, but were beaten by players from the University of Wyoming in the 4th round of the tournament. The Dakota Marker is the trophy awarded to the winner of the annual college football game played between the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison, located in Fargo, North Dakota and the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits.
South Dakota State University History
South Dakota State University was founded in 1881 as a land grant institution. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. It is classed as a Doctoral Research University—Intensive by the Carnegie Institute.
South Dakota State University Academics
South Dakota State’s academic programs are offered through its eight unique colleges, including Agriculture & Biological Sciences, Arts & Science, Education & Counseling, Engineering, Family & Consumer Sciences, General Studies & Outreach Programs, Nursing, and Pharmacy. SDSU also offers a Distance Education course for undergraduates who live far from the campus, nontraditional students, or students who are temporarily on leave. The SDSU Honors College offers outstanding students a smaller class setting, more demanding curriculum, and motivation to achieve above and beyond expectations.
South Dakota State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 10 colleges: the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, the College of Arts and Science, the College of Education and Counseling, the College of Engineering, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, the College of General Studies and Outreach Programs, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the Graduate School, and the Honors College.
p. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as liberal studies, pre-professional programs, dairy production, animal science, entomology, landscape architecture, range science, art, communication studies & theatre, graphic design, microbiology, music, public recreation, education, engineering, interior design, and nursing. There are minors in many of these fields and also in areas such as zoology, botany, pest management, American Indian studies, military science, and religion.
p. Graduate programs are offered in approximately 30 fields, generally in the sciences and education rather than in the liberal arts. These include master’s level programs in various areas of agriculture, biology, English, geography, mathematics, education, engineering, industrial management, nursing, and family & consumer science. Doctoral degrees are offered in agronomy, animal science, atmospheric, environmental & water resources, biological sciences, chemistry, and sociology; there is also a D. Pharm. through the College of Pharmacy. Secondary education certification is offered in 23 areas.
South Dakota State University Unique Programs
The Ethel Austin Martin program, named in honor of the SDSU alumnus who originally funded it, provides for the retention and support of an outstanding faculty member in the nutrition sciences, highlighting SDSU’s commitment to science and discovery in the light of human improvement. As part of the program, the Martin fund also supports programs that enrich all students and faculty at SDSU.
In addition to its many undergraduate degree programs, SDSU offers a number of pre-professional programs, including pre-law, pre-chiropractic, pre-optometry, pre-mortuary, and pre-physical therapy concentrations.
South Dakota State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to meet the following requirements: an ACT score of 27 or higher, and/or a class rank in the top 10%. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will take part in smaller classes, including a first year Honors seminar, be able to live on the Honors floor of a residence hall, and work on an independent study project.
p. South Dakota State University has cooperative extension programs in agricultural safety and wellness, climate, crops, family & consumer sciences, farm management/marketing, horticulture, and livestock.
p. Research is supported at all levels; there is a journal of undergraduate research for undergraduate students to publish the results of the research they have done. The Agricultural Experiment Station performs research on animal disease, offers seed and soil testing, and does research on native and domesticated plants.
South Dakota State University Financial Aid
More than 85% of all SDSU students receive some form of financial aid award. In 2004, eligible applicants were awarded an average of $5,630 toward their expenses. SDSU’s Financial Aid program provides packages that can include scholarships, federal loans or grants, federal work-study, or a combination of all of these. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid office with any questions regarding individual circumstances. The Financial Aid office or their website can be consulted for an estimate of the total cost of attending SDSU.
Tuition at South Dakota State University is $1,221 per semester for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs. Students from Minnesota, or from member states in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, pay reduced out-of-state tuition rates.
p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for study with demonstrated need; the financial aid office tries to put students in jobs close to their area of study. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line. Approximately 86 % of students receive some form of financial aid.
p. Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process; approximately 350 out of 1400 enrolled students receive assistantships.
South Dakota State University Students
Student life at South Dakota State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are fraternities and sororities, academic and professional groups, religious organizations, cultural organizations, political groups, and special interest groups such as Block and Bridle, the Civil Air Patrol, and Collegiate 4-H. There is a college newspaper and a campus radio station. Sports clubs that students can participate in include boxing, karate, and rodeo; intramural sports include softball, racquetball, and flag football. There is also a wellness center.
p. One annual tradition for SDSU students and faculty is Hobo Day; people dress down and participate in a variety of activities on campus.
A new student’s first experience at SDSU, New Student Orientation, helps them ease in to university life, make connections with new friends, meet advisors, and register for classes. All students are required to live in on-campus housing in their first two years out of high school. There are also numerous opportunities for students to find on-campus employment. The SDSU Student Union provides a central location for students to meet, hang out, or get information. The Union offers an Information Exchange where inquiries can be made on campus events, and where students can cash checks, get their mail, and make copies. There are over 200 student organizations and clubs on campus, including those affiliated with certain departments, cultures, and religions.
South Dakota State University Traditions
Hobo Day is perhaps the most time-honored tradition at South Dakota State. It originated in 1912 when a group of students were trying to come up with an original idea for homecoming. Many different activities had been attempted in the past, but none truly united the entire campus. And so Hobo Day was born. On this day each year, students and faculty dress in their dingiest clothes, men do not shave, and women wear their hair in braids to celebrate the University’s spirit.
South Dakota State University Local Community
South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, South Dakota, which has a population of approximately 19,000. The surrounding environment is rural farmland. Near-by attractions and events include a summer arts festival, a theatre festival, the Sioux water festival, several museums, and a vineyard.
Brookings is just minutes away from the border and a short drive from the state’s largest city, Sioux Falls. The town’s population is approximately 19,000, making SDSU’s enrollment of 10,000 a significant factor in the town’s size and economy. Brookings has a great deal to offer the culturally minded, including the Brookings Chamber Music Society, McCrory Gardens, and the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. The Performing Arts Center is a lively venue for visiting musical and theatrical performances.
Comment and Corrections Make a comment …
Familiar with this University? We would love to hear about your experience. Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding South Dakota State University.
over 2 years ago
SDSU Jackrabbit 06' qas ((at)) gmail dot com
A great school to get a good education. The party scene is awesome too. The local bars provide entertainment such as dancing, club hopping and bar games. The drinks are cheap and all the bars are located within two blocks of each other. Brookings is home to Daktronics, Inc. The largest manufacturer or electronic signs. They're the largest employers of students - no matter what your degree is. SDSU is known/respected for its nursing and engineering programs.