Admissions Details
- Acceptance Rate
- 86.1%
- Average SAT
- 1,133
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,020–1,245
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 22
- Total Enrollment
- 8,798
Admissions Overview
South Dakota State University is open admission with an 86% acceptance rate. Most students who apply will get in, making this an accessible option for those seeking a solid public university education. The middle 50% of students score between 1020-1245 on the SAT or around 22 on the ACT. These scores reflect the university's focus on admitting students ready for college-level work rather than chasing top academic credentials. SDSU seeks students interested in practical, career-focused education, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and applied sciences. The university values students who want hands-on learning opportunities and research experience at South Dakota's flagship research institution.