University of South Dakota Admissions

ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid, Tuition, Graduation Rate & More

University of South Dakota Wellness Center
University of South Dakota Student Wellness Center. Jrobb525 / Wikimedia Commons
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated August 07, 2017

University of South Dakota Description:

The University of South Dakota is a public university located on a 274-acre campus in Vermillion, a small city less than an hour northwest of Sioux City, Iowa. Founded in 1862, USD is the state's oldest university. The campus has been undergoing major renovation and expansion in recent years. Students can choose from 132 majors and minors supported by a 15 to 1 student / faculty ratio.

High achieving students should look into the university's Honors Program for a more personalized and challenging undergraduate experience. Social life at USD is active with over 120 student clubs and organizations. On the athletic front, the University of South Dakota Coyotes compete in the NCAA Division I Summit League. Popular sports include football, track and field, soccer, and basketball.

Admissions Data (2016):

  • University of South Dakota Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 10,038 (7,500 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 38% Male / 62% Female
  • 66% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $8,457 (in-state); $11,688 (out-of-state)
  • Books: $1,200 (why so much?)
  • Room and Board: $7,535
  • Other Expenses: $4,185
  • Total Cost: $21,377 (in-state); $24,608 (out-of-state)

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

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 95%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 80%
    • Loans: 67%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $4,817
    • Loans: $7,068

    Academic Programs:

    • Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Biology, Business Administration, Contemporary Media/Journalism, Criminal Justice, Dental Hygiene, Elementary Education, Psychology

    Transfer, Retention and Graduation Rates:

    • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 76%
    • Transfer Out Rate: 29%
    • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 34%
    • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 54%

    Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

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

    Data Source:

    National Center for Educational Statistics

    If You Like the University of South Dakota, You May Also Like These Schools:

      University of South Dakota Mission Statement:

      mission statement from http://www.usd.edu/about-usd/mission-and-values

      "The University of South Dakota offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs within the South Dakota System of Higher Education. As the oldest university in the state, the University of South Dakota serves as the flagship and the only public liberal arts university in the state."