Avg Earnings (5yr)
$49,564
Acceptance Rate
99%
Graduation Rate
60%
Annual Tuition
$9,299
Quick answer
According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry — 2% above the national median. Acceptance rate 98.7%, average SAT score 1120, in-state tuition $9,299.
At a Glance
Total Students
8,798
Retention Rate
83%
Faculty Ratio
17
Financial Aid
46%
Median Debt
$23,250
Campus Setting
Town
Institution Type
Public
Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores
Average SAT Score
1,120
SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)
530–610
SAT Math (middle 50%)
530–630
ACT Composite (middle 50%)
19–25
Institution Overview
South Dakota State University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 98.7%. The university enrolls 8,798 students. The average in-state tuition is $9,299. The university's retention rate is 82.9%, and the graduation rate is 59.5%.
One year after graduation, the median earnings are $51,160. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $49,564, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $55,070. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, and 45.8% of students receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Earning Projection Over Time
$51k
1 YEAR
$50k
5 YEARS
$55k
10 YEARS
Graduate Outcomes
One year after graduation, South Dakota State University alumni earn a median salary of $51,160. Five years after graduation, the median salary is $49,564, and ten years after graduation, the median salary is $55,070. The median debt for graduates is $23,250.
South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98.7% and a graduation rate of 59.5%. The retention rate is 82.9%, and 45.8% of students receive financial aid. In-state tuition costs $9,299.
Popular Programs
Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Animal Sciences
Mechanical Engineering
Biology, General
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Agriculture, General
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Plant Sciences
Agricultural Business and Management
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
Psychology, General
Civil Engineering
Economics
Sociology
Business/Managerial Economics
Communication and Media Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Mathematics
Agricultural Mechanization
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
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Campus Location
Brookings, South Dakota
Brookings, SD 57007-1898
South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, South Dakota. The campus is in a town setting.