About South Dakota State University
The financial picture looks promising for families across income levels. Students pay an average net price of $18,219 after aid, which drops to just $12,517 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $55,070 ten years after leaving campus, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments around $246. The 98% employment rate shows employers value what SDSU students learn.
Campus life revolves around Division I athletics in The Summit League, with 533 student-athletes competing across 15 sports. The student body splits 54% women to 46% men, with 86% identifying as white and about half coming from in-state. The 83% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for in this tight-knit academic community.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 80.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.6%
- Retention Rate
- 82.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,070
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,014 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $92,277 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $74,845 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $67,660 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,322 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,860 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $56,776 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $56,234 |
Campus Life
The Jackrabbits compete in Division I athletics with 533 student-athletes across 15 sports, making game days central to campus social life. Students gather at football and basketball games, especially during rivalry matchups with the University of South Dakota Coyotes. Greek life, intramural sports, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing fill weekend schedules. The engineering and agriculture programs create a practical, hands-on campus culture where students often work on real research projects. With 53% of students coming from in-state, many already know the rhythm of small-town South Dakota life, but the university draws enough out-of-state students to maintain diversity within the rural setting.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 4,499 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1881
Campus Safety (2023)
42 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 3°–22°F
- July Avg
- 60°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 25.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 35.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.1%
- Women
- 53.9%
- White
- 85.7%
- Black
- 1.3%
- Hispanic
- 2.9%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 53.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.1%
Location
- Address
- Brookings, South Dakota 57007-1898
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,070
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,627
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at South Dakota State University?
South Dakota State University admits 86% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020-1245 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of academic backgrounds.
How much does South Dakota State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,219 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $12,517. Out-of-state tuition runs $12,809 compared to $9,299 for South Dakota residents, making SDSU one of the more affordable options for non-residents.
What are the strongest academic programs at South Dakota State University?
SDSU built its reputation on engineering and agricultural research as South Dakota's largest university. With 8,798 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, the university combines hands-on learning with research opportunities in these signature fields.
What do graduates of South Dakota State University earn after college?
SDSU graduates earn a median salary of $55,070 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 98.4% employment rate. About 60% of students graduate within six years, and typical loan payments run $246 monthly on median debt of $23,250.
Where is South Dakota State University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Brookings, a college town in a remote setting that creates a tight-knit campus community. With housing for 4,499 students and 533 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division I, campus life revolves around the Jackrabbits athletic programs and strong school spirit.
Does South Dakota State University have notable alumni?
SDSU produced NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri and sportscaster Pat O'Brien among its notable graduates. The university's engineering and agricultural programs have launched careers across industries, reflecting its practical approach to education in America's heartland.
