South Dakota School of Mines Admissions

South Dakota School of Mines Admissions Overview:

Students applying to the South Dakota School of Mines will need to submit an application, high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. In general, successful students will need average or above-average test scores and grades. If your test scores fall within or above the numbers posted below, you are generally on track for admission to the school. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, be sure to get in touch with the admissions office.

Admissions Data (2016):

• South Dakota School of Mines Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 490 / 630
  • SAT Math: 550 / 660
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 24 / 29
  • ACT English: 25 / 29
  • ACT Math: 22 / 28
    • What these ACT numbers mean

South Dakota School of Mines Description:

Founded in 1885, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public institution with a focus on science and engineering. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the Rapid City location. The city sits at the foot of the Black Hills, and students will find skiing, camping, fishing, hunting, and rock climbing opportunities in the immediate vicinity. Undergraduates can choose from about 20 degree programs among which civil and mechanical engineering are most popular. Academics are supported by a 14 to 1 student / faculty ratio. Research is important at the School of Mines, and the school is a leading partner in the development of the Sanford Underground Laboratory in Lead, South Dakota. The school frequently ranks well for its value -- the state tuition is low for both in-state and out-of-state students, and the salary potential of SDSM&T graduates ranks among the very top in the country. In athletics, the SDSM&T Hardrockers are making the move from NAIA to NCAA Division II sports. The school fields five men's and five women's intercollegiate sports.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 2,809 (2,435 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 79% Male / 21% Female
• 83% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $11,160 (in-state); $15,320 (out-of-state)
• Books: $2,000 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $7,720
• Other Expenses: $4,000
• Total Cost: $24,880 (in-state); $29,040 (out-of-state)

South Dakota School of Mines Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 93%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 76%
  • Loans: 58%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $3,761
  • Loans: $7,436

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Retention and Graduation Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 78%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 30%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 47%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Football, Soccer, Golf, Track and Field, Basketball, Cross Country
• Women's Sports: Basketball, Golf, Cross Country, Track and Field, Volleyball

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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