Campus Identity
University of South Dakota is a mid-size public university in Vermillion, SD. Approximately 5,439 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 99% acceptance rate. Lewis and Clark Lake is about 29 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 59/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
University of South Dakota is a mid-size public university in Vermillion, SD. Approximately 5,439 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 99% acceptance rate. Lewis and Clark Lake is about 29 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 59/100 (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
University of South Dakota is a 10,000–19,999, small-town school with NCAA D1 athletics. The campus is 56 miles from Great Bear Ski Valley.
Athletics
NCAA D1
The Summit League
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Town setting
Weather
Cold Climate
41°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
University of South Dakota students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Great Bear Ski Valley, 56 miles away. All are within 160 miles of campus.
South Dakota
Nearby Lake
Lewis and Clark Lake is 29 miles from campus, giving University of South Dakota students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lewis and Clark Lake
Lake access within 28.8 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Vermillion, SD
Vermillion has a cool climate, with winters averaging 20°F in Jan and summers peaking around 74°F in Jul.
Station: VERMILLION 2 SE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
University of South Dakota in SD earns a composite safety score of 59/100, 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 | $9,432 | $12,942 |
| Fees | $1,659 | $1,659 |
| Room & Board | $9,508 | $9,508 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $20,599 | $24,109 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
160 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 University of South Dakota located?
University of South Dakota is located in Vermillion, SD. The main campus address is 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%, making it accessible. Out of 5,965 applicants, 5,892 were admitted in the most recent year. 5,439 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for University of South Dakota?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at University of South Dakota scored between 19 and 25 on the ACT, with a median of 22. About 62% 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 University of South Dakota?
For the 2024-25 academic year, University of South Dakota charges $9,432/year for in-state students and $12,942/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($9,508/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $12,942/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,858/year — what students actually pay. Use University of South Dakota's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for University of South Dakota?
The undergraduate application fee at University of South Dakota is $20. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does University of South Dakota have college sports?
Yes — University of South Dakota 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 University of South Dakota the right fit for me?
Whether University of South Dakota is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (99% admit rate), avg net price ($19,858/year after aid), campus culture in Vermillion, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh University of South Dakota against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with University of South Dakota directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Vermillion, SD
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- The Summit League
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 41°F avg
- App Fee
- $20
- On Campus Safety Score
- 59/100
- Nearest Airport
- Yankton, SD (YKN) · 25 mialso SUX (39 mi), FSD (56 mi)
Location
Vermillion, SD