South Dakota State University Admissions

South Dakota State University Admissions Overview:

With an acceptance rate of 91%, South Dakota State University admits almost all applicants each year. Students with average grades and test scores have a good chance of being admitted. Those interested in applying to the school will need to submit an application, high school transcripts, and scores from the SAT or the ACT. SDSU accepts application on a rolling basis, so interested students can apply at any time during the year--for more information about the admissions process, be sure to visit the school's website.

Admissions Data (2016):

• South Dakota State University Acceptance Rate: 91%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 440 / 580
  • SAT Math: 450 / 580
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 20 / 26
  • ACT English: 18 / 25
  • ACT Math: 19 / 26
    • What these ACT numbers mean

South Dakota State University Description:

As the state's largest university, South Dakota State University offers its students the choice of 200 academic programs and a similar number of student organizations. Popular programs include a range of fields in the sciences, social sciences, and professional areas. Nursing and pharmaceutical sciences are particular strong. SDSU represents an excellent educational value, even for out-of-state applicants, and any student who scores over a 23 ACT composite score is guaranteed scholarship funds for four years. The university is located in Brookings, a small city about an hour north of Sioux Falls. In athletics, the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits compete in the NCAA Division I Summit League.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 12,600 (10,946 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 47% Male / 53% Female
• 77% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $8,172 (in-state); $11,403 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,500 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $9,800
• Other Expenses: $7,055
• Total Cost: $26,527 (in-state); $29,758 (out-of-state)

South Dakota State University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 90%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 68%
  • Loans: 65%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $4,100
  • Loans: $7,998

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Agricultural Business, Animal Science, Biology, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Consumer Affairs, Early Childhood Education, Economics, Journalism, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

Retention and Graduation Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 79%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 29%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 54%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Football, Basketball, Swimming, Baseball, Golf, Wrestling, Track and Field
• Women's Sports: Track and Field, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Tennis, Swimming

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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