About University of Sioux Falls
The University of Sioux Falls builds on nearly 140 years of American Baptist tradition while serving 1,258 students in South Dakota's largest city. This private Christian university emphasizes faith-integrated learning across liberal arts and professional programs. The campus operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes an intensive January term for focused study or experiential learning.
Students pay an average net price of $20,874 annually, which represents solid value considering graduates earn a median of $54,521 within ten years of completion. The typical graduate carries $23,249 in debt with monthly payments of $246. With a 98% employment rate, the investment generally pays off for those who complete their degrees. About 25% of students receive institutional grants averaging $10,857.
Women comprise 60% of the student body on this campus where athletics play a significant role in student life. The Cougars field 15 NCAA Division II teams with 436 total athletes competing in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Athletic scholarships total over $3.3 million annually. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention, though the 60% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their programs on time.
Students pay an average net price of $20,874 annually, which represents solid value considering graduates earn a median of $54,521 within ten years of completion. The typical graduate carries $23,249 in debt with monthly payments of $246. With a 98% employment rate, the investment generally pays off for those who complete their degrees. About 25% of students receive institutional grants averaging $10,857.
Women comprise 60% of the student body on this campus where athletics play a significant role in student life. The Cougars field 15 NCAA Division II teams with 436 total athletes competing in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Athletic scholarships total over $3.3 million annually. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention, though the 60% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their programs on time.
Academics & Faculty
USF operates as a private Christian university with a liberal arts foundation that emphasizes practical career preparation. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes where professors know students personally and provide individualized attention. This close mentorship contributes to the school's solid 60.5% six-year graduation rate. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in business, education, and healthcare fields including nursing. Students benefit from a Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a January interim term for internships or study abroad opportunities. The American Baptist affiliation means faith integration occurs across disciplines, though the academic environment welcomes students from diverse religious backgrounds seeking career-focused education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.5%
- Retention Rate
- 75.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,521
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,771 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,173 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,432 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $48,432 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,513 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $44,021 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,729 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,221 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $31,670 |
Campus Life
This Baptist university sits in South Dakota's largest city, where winters demand serious cold-weather gear and summers bring pleasant relief. With housing for 766 students and total enrollment of 1,258, about 61% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number.
Women outnumber men 60% to 40%, and the student body is 78% white with growing diversity. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students an intensive January term for internships, travel courses, or focused study. Weekends revolve around Cougars athletics, with 436 student-athletes competing across 15 Division II sports in the Northern Sun Conference. The American Baptist heritage shapes campus culture without overwhelming it. Students often gather for intramural games, residence hall activities, and trips to downtown Sioux Falls for shopping and dining. The city's 195,000 residents provide internship opportunities and entertainment beyond campus boundaries.
Women outnumber men 60% to 40%, and the student body is 78% white with growing diversity. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students an intensive January term for internships, travel courses, or focused study. Weekends revolve around Cougars athletics, with 436 student-athletes competing across 15 Division II sports in the Northern Sun Conference. The American Baptist heritage shapes campus culture without overwhelming it. Students often gather for intramural games, residence hall activities, and trips to downtown Sioux Falls for shopping and dining. The city's 195,000 residents provide internship opportunities and entertainment beyond campus boundaries.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 766 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1883
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 6°–26°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 26.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- -733.2"
Student Demographics
The University of Sioux Falls draws students from across the region, with 57% coming from outside South Dakota. Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting strong programs in education, nursing, and social work that align with the university's Baptist mission of service. The campus serves a economically diverse population, with nearly 30% qualifying for Pell Grants. The predominantly white student body mirrors regional demographics, though the university has been working to increase diversity. Students tend to value the close-knit Christian community and personal attention that comes with 1,258 total enrollment.
- Men
- 39.5%
- Women
- 60.5%
- White
- 78.1%
- Black
- 4.7%
- Hispanic
- 6.5%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 43.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.0%
Location
Sioux Falls sits in southeastern South Dakota, the state's largest city with around 195,000 residents. The university draws 56.65% of its students from out-of-state, suggesting the city attracts beyond regional borders. Sioux Falls serves as an economic center for the tri-state area, known for its growing healthcare and financial services sectors. The city offers more urban amenities than typical college towns, with the Big Sioux River running through downtown and Falls Park providing a scenic centerpiece. The campus sits within this mid-sized metropolitan area, giving students access to internships and job opportunities while maintaining a manageable scale. Students considering colleges in South Dakota may also compare University of Sioux Falls with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57105-1699
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,521
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,154
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,249
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Sioux Falls?
University of Sioux Falls accepts 75.95% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Christian university. The school draws students primarily from the region, with 43.35% coming from South Dakota and the rest from surrounding states.
How much does University of Sioux Falls cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,874, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,733 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full $30,700 total cost of attendance.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Sioux Falls?
The student-faculty ratio is 17:1 across the university's 1,258 students. This American Baptist institution emphasizes close relationships between professors and students, supporting its mission of faith-based education in a personal setting.
What are the job prospects for University of Sioux Falls graduates?
Graduates achieve a 98% employment rate, with median earnings of $54,521 ten years after graduation. The typical graduate carries $23,249 in debt with monthly payments of $246, reflecting the school's relatively affordable tuition compared to other private colleges.
Where do students live at University of Sioux Falls?
Campus housing accommodates 766 students, serving over half of the total enrollment of 1,258. The university sits in South Dakota's largest city, giving students access to internships and jobs while maintaining a close-knit campus community.
Does University of Sioux Falls have strong athletics programs?
The Cougars compete in NCAA Division II with 15 varsity sports and 436 total athletes. The university invests $3,315,401 in athletic scholarships, making sports a significant part of campus life in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
