Overview
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a accessible public four-year institution in Rapid City, South Dakota. The school accepts 82.7% of applicants and enrolls 2,042 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 82.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,269
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,160–1,378
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 26
- Total Enrollment
- 2,042
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
South Dakota School of Mines requires your high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and a completed application through the state's online system by August 1 for fall admission. You can apply later, but housing fills up quickly and some scholarship deadlines pass.
Engineering programs like mining, chemical, and mechanical engineering maintain higher admission standards than the university overall. Computer science also draws more competitive applicants. Your math and science grades matter more for these majors than your overall academic record.
Submit your housing application immediately after admission acceptance if you want to live on campus. The residence halls fill by spring, and off-campus options in Rapid City are limited near the small campus. Most students need cars since public transportation is minimal.
The school operates on a semester system with a required summer orientation program called "Intro to Mines" that covers registration, academic planning, and campus resources. You'll meet with an academic advisor before classes start to plan your four-year course sequence, which matters more here than at most schools because many engineering courses have strict prerequisites.
Rapid City sits near the Black Hills, so outdoor recreation dominates campus culture. The weather swings from harsh winters to hot summers, and the elevation is higher than most students expect. Pack accordingly for both seasons and altitude changes.
The campus is small with about 2,000 students total, so you'll recognize faces quickly. Class sizes shrink significantly after introductory courses, especially in specialized engineering tracks. Professors are accessible, but the workload is demanding across all programs. Plan to study more hours per week than you did in high school, particularly for math-heavy courses that form the foundation of most degree programs here.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $20,380/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $10,400
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $14,800
- Students Receiving Aid
- 16%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $72,257/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 84.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has rolling admissions with no specific deadline. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so applying early is recommended for better housing and scholarship opportunities.
Does South Dakota School of Mines and Technology require SAT or ACT scores?
Yes, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology requires either SAT or ACT scores for admission. The school does not have a test-optional policy.
What are the transfer requirements for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA from their previous institution. Students with fewer than 30 credit hours must also meet freshman admission requirements including high school GPA and test scores.
Does South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offer early decision or early action?
No, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology does not offer early decision or early action programs. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis throughout the academic year.