About South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
The financial picture here is compelling. Students pay an average net price of $20,380, but graduates earn a median of $72,257 ten years out. That's a strong return on investment, especially since typical debt loads are $27,000. In-state students get an even better deal at $10,400 for tuition, while out-of-state students pay $14,800. The school keeps costs reasonable while delivering results that matter in the job market.
This is a male-dominated campus where 78.5% of students are men, which reflects the engineering and mining focus. The Hardrockers compete in NCAA Division II with nine sports and 319 total athletes. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll get personal attention from professors who often have industry experience. Just know that the 56.99% four-year graduation rate means many students take longer to finish their demanding programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 87.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.2%
- Retention Rate
- 84.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $72,257
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,953 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,789 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,020 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,523 |
| Geological/Geophysical Engineering. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
Campus Life
Winters here are serious business. Plan on heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and needing a good coat from November through March. The 78.5% male student body reflects the engineering focus, and with only 9 varsity sports and 319 total athletes, this isn't a big sports school. Students call themselves Hardrockers, a nod to the mining heritage. Most social life happens in small groups rather than big parties. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. Weekends often involve hiking in the Black Hills, skiing, or heading to the nearby motorcycle rallies that Rapid City hosts. The engineering workload is intense, so study groups are common.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,083 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1885
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–37°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 75.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 78.5%
- Women
- 21.5%
- White
- 82.7%
- Black
- 1.5%
- Hispanic
- 5.6%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 41.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.0%
Location
- Address
- Rapid City, South Dakota 57701-3995
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $72,257
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $86,809
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $56,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
The school accepts 82.69% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for a specialized engineering institution. Students typically need an SAT score around 1269 or ACT score of 26 to be competitive. The school focuses on finding students passionate about STEM fields rather than maintaining extremely selective admissions.
How much does South Dakota School of Mines and Technology cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,380 per year, though only 15.95% of students receive financial aid. In-state students pay $10,400 in tuition while out-of-state students pay $14,800. The relatively low percentage receiving aid reflects the school's already affordable tuition compared to most engineering programs.
What are the academic programs like at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
The school specializes in engineering and technology with a strong focus on mining, geology, and applied sciences. With 2,042 students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain small and hands-on. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications tied to the region's natural resources and energy industries.
What do graduates of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology typically earn?
Alumni earn a median of $72,257 ten years after graduation with an impressive 96.4% employment rate. Recent graduates start strong with median earnings of $71,587 just one year out. The technical focus and industry connections help explain why graduates command solid salaries despite the school's modest profile.
Where is the campus of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology located?
The campus sits in Rapid City, a small city near the Black Hills of South Dakota. With housing for 1,083 students out of 2,042 total enrollment, about half live on campus. The location provides access to outdoor recreation and internship opportunities in mining and energy sectors throughout the region.
Is South Dakota School of Mines and Technology a good choice for women in engineering?
Women make up only 21.50% of the student body, reflecting the male-dominated nature of mining and heavy engineering fields. The small size of 2,042 students means women often find close-knit communities within their programs. The school's Hardrockers compete in nine NCAA Division II sports, providing additional opportunities for female student-athletes.
