South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota 57007-1898
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences
South Dakota State University is a public town institution in Brookings, South Dakota. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1121.
A mid-sized campus of 8.8K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
60% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $55,070 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,219.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History The Coughlin Campanile completed in 1929 on west campus.
- •It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
- •The university was founded in the Dakota Territory on February 21, 1881, as Dakota Agriculture College.
- •The name was changed in 1904 to South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1121
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
54.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.5%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,246
Programs (188)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
83%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
58
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from SD state average