Public Institution

University of South Dakota — Vermillion, South Dakota

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Annual Tuition $9,432

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 99%

Open Admission

Enrollment 5,239

Active Students

Avg. Salary $51,926

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

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

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of South Dakota stands as a pillar of higher education in Vermillion, providing a robust academic foundation for 5,239 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 University of South Dakota offer?

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

Health Professions
31.4%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
19.1%

Enrollment Share

Education
6.6%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
6.1%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
6.1%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
5.6%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

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

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of South Dakota provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at University of South Dakota provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at University of South Dakota?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 99%
Difficulty Low

University of South Dakota maintains an acceptance rate of 99%, 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 34.8%
Women Enrollment 65.2%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 570 - 650
SAT Mathematics 540 - 680
ACT English 18 - 25
ACT Mathematics 18 - 25
Expert Insight

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

How much does University of South Dakota cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,432
Out-of-State Tuition $12,942

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 18%
Median Student Debt $23,592

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,432, graduates see a median starting salary of $51,926, making it one of the most affordable pathways in South Dakota.

What salary can University of South Dakota graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $51,926

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 61.4%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $19,155
Median Salary (6yr) $46,290
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of South Dakota in Vermillion?

5,239 Students

Gender Comparison

34.8% Men
65.2% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

80%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
1.6%
Pacific Islander
0%
Asian
1.3%
Black
3.8%
White
79.7%
Unknown
1.2%
Hispanic
5.7%
Two or More Races
3%
International
3.7%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 24.3%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 44.3%
💍
Married Students 5.4%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 51.2%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $53,799
Average Family Income $74,909
Median Family Income $64,843

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48%
52%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Vermillion Campus Environment

Located at 414 E Clark St, University of South Dakota 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 University of South Dakota

Is University of South Dakota a good college in Vermillion, South Dakota?
University of South Dakota is a recognized institution in Vermillion with an enrollment of 5,239 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in South Dakota.
Is University of South Dakota 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 $51,926 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does University of South Dakota cost for South Dakota residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of South Dakota is approximately $9,432. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $12,942. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of University of South Dakota after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending University of South Dakota for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 44.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is University of South Dakota good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?
University of South Dakota reports program activity in Health Professions and Business & Marketing. 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 University of South Dakota?
Graduates of University of South Dakota often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $51,926, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for University of South Dakota?
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 University of South Dakota's official admissions website.
Does University of South Dakota 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 University of South Dakota's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can University of South Dakota graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of University of South Dakota earn a median salary of $51,926 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is University of South Dakota a good investment compared to other SD colleges?
Compare University of South Dakota'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 University of South Dakota located and what is the campus like?
University of South Dakota is located at 414 E Clark St in Vermillion, SD. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 5,239 learners.
Who typically attends University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD?
The student body at University of South Dakota is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 24.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: South Dakota

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of South Dakota 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

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