South Dakota State University
Campus Identity
South Dakota State University is a mid-size public university in Brookings, SD. Approximately 9,198 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 98% acceptance rate. Lake Poinsett is about 21 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 54/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
South Dakota State University is a mid-size public university in Brookings, SD. Approximately 9,198 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 98% acceptance rate. Lake Poinsett is about 21 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 54/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
South Dakota State University is a 10,000–19,999, small-town school with NCAA D1 athletics. The campus is 51 miles from Great Bear Ski Valley.
Athletics
NCAA D1
The Summit League
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Town setting
Weather
Cold Climate
35°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
South Dakota State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Great Bear Ski Valley, 51 miles away. All are within 138 miles of campus.
South Dakota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Nearby Lake
Lake Poinsett is 21 miles from campus, giving South Dakota State University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Poinsett
Lake access within 20.6 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Brookings, SD
Brookings has a cold climate, with winters averaging 13°F in Jan and summers peaking around 71°F in Jul.
Station: BROOKINGS 2 NE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
South Dakota State University in SD earns a composite safety score of 54/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $9,299 | $12,809 |
| Fees | $1,526 | $1,526 |
| Room & Board | $10,055 | $10,055 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $20,880 | $24,390 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
206 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Dakota State University located?
South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, SD. The main campus address is 1004 Campanile Ave, Brookings, SD. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at South Dakota State University?
South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%, making it accessible. Out of 7,287 applicants, 7,166 were admitted in the most recent year. 9,198 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for South Dakota State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at South Dakota State University scored between 19 and 25 on the ACT, with a median of 22. About 75% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend South Dakota State University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, South Dakota State University charges $9,299/year for in-state students and $12,809/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($10,055/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $12,809/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,841/year — what students actually pay. Use South Dakota State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for South Dakota State University?
The undergraduate application fee at South Dakota State University is $20. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does South Dakota State University have college sports?
Yes — South Dakota State University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the The Summit League. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is South Dakota State University the right fit for me?
Whether South Dakota State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (98% admit rate), avg net price ($19,841/year after aid), campus culture in Brookings, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh South Dakota State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with South Dakota State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Brookings, SD
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- The Summit League
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 35°F avg
- App Fee
- $20
- On Campus Safety Score
- 54/100
- Nearest Airport
- Watertown, SD (ATY) · 45 mialso FSD (51 mi), HON (72 mi)
Location
Brookings, SD