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86.1%Acceptance
$9,299Tuition
8,798Students
60%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$55,070Earnings
#7 in South DakotaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

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.