Public Institution

South Dakota State University — Brookings, South Dakota

Compare Visit Website
Annual Tuition $9,299

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 98.7%

Open Admission

Enrollment 8,798

Active Students

Avg. Salary $55,070

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Brookings, South Dakota
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"South Dakota State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Brookings, providing a robust academic foundation for 8,798 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does South Dakota State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at South Dakota State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
20.9%

Enrollment Share

Agriculture
14.1%

Enrollment Share

Engineering
7.1%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
6.8%

Enrollment Share

Education
5.4%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Agriculture College

The Agriculture program at South Dakota State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at South Dakota State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 98.7%
Difficulty Low

South Dakota State University maintains an acceptance rate of 98.7%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 46.1%
Women Enrollment 53.9%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 520 - 640
SAT Mathematics 520 - 660
ACT English 18 - 25
ACT Mathematics 18 - 26
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does South Dakota State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,299
Out-of-State Tuition $12,809

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 16.1%
Median Student Debt $23,250

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,299, graduates see a median starting salary of $55,070, making it one of the most affordable pathways in South Dakota.

What salary can South Dakota State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $55,070

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 59.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $18,219
Median Salary (6yr) $49,564
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at South Dakota State University in Brookings?

8,798 Students

Gender Comparison

46.1% Men
53.9% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

82.9%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.8%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
1.2%
Black
1.3%
White
85.7%
Unknown
2.6%
Hispanic
2.9%
Two or More Races
2.1%
International
3.4%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 20.2%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 38.8%
🎖️
Veterans 0.3%
💍
Married Students 3.7%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 53.2%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $53,049
Average Family Income $81,413
Median Family Income $73,000

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.7%
47.3%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Brookings Campus Environment

Located at 1004 Campanile Ave, South Dakota State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of South Dakota. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about South Dakota State University

Is South Dakota State University a good college in Brookings, South Dakota?
South Dakota State University is a recognized institution in Brookings with an enrollment of 8,798 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in South Dakota.
Is South Dakota State University worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $55,070 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does South Dakota State University cost for South Dakota residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at South Dakota State University is approximately $9,299. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $12,809. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of South Dakota State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending South Dakota State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 38.8% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is South Dakota State University good for Health Professions and Agriculture programs?
South Dakota State University reports program activity in Health Professions and Agriculture. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending South Dakota State University?
Graduates of South Dakota State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $55,070, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for South Dakota State University?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on South Dakota State University's official admissions website.
Does South Dakota State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on South Dakota State University's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can South Dakota State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median salary of $55,070 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is South Dakota State University a good investment compared to other SD colleges?
Compare South Dakota State University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in South Dakota to judge value for your goals.
Where is South Dakota State University located and what is the campus like?
South Dakota State University is located at 1004 Campanile Ave in Brookings, SD. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 8,798 learners.
Who typically attends South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD?
The student body at South Dakota State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 20.2% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: South Dakota

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare South Dakota State University with other leading institutions in South Dakota across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

Local Discovery Hub

Explore specialized academic pathways in Brookings

Degrees & Research Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Professional Training Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Career Opportunities Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Affordable Tuition Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Accredited Programs Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Leading Schools Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
International Support Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Community Colleges Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete

Looking for similar schools in South Dakota?

Our intelligence engine has audited 6,400+ institutions to find the best matches for your career goals.

View State Rankings →