University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota has a 99.0% acceptance rate. University of South Dakota is a public 4-year institution in Vermillion, SD, with a median SAT of 1205 and a median ACT of 22. The average net price is $19,858 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

SAT & ACT Scores at University of South Dakota

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at University of South Dakota (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test	25th percentile	Median	75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)	1110	1205	1315
ACT (composite, 1–36)	19	22	25

Student Outcomes

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at University of South Dakota:

Family Income	Avg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000	$14,921
$30,001 – $48,000	$15,942
$48,001 – $75,000	$18,540
$75,001 – $110,000	$21,202
$110,000+	$22,193

Top Majors at University of South Dakota

Major	Degrees Awarded
Health Professions	307
Business, Management & Marketing	220
Education	72
Biological & Biomedical Sciences	72
Psychology	71
Parks, Recreation & Fitness	59
Communication & Journalism	54
Social Sciences	45
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice	42
Liberal Arts & General Studies	38

Financial Aid at University of South Dakota

• 95.0% of students receive some form of financial aid
• Average grant/scholarship: $5,580 per year
• Average net price (all students): $19,858 per year

About University of South Dakota

• Type: Public 4-year
• Location: Vermillion, SD
• Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Yield Rate: 2500.0%

Official website: https://www.usd.edu/

Admissions: https://www.usd.edu/admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About University of South Dakota

What is the acceptance rate at University of South Dakota?

University of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. it received about 5,349 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1205; the average net price is $19,858 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to University of South Dakota for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into University of South Dakota?

Getting into University of South Dakota is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 99% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1205. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at University of South Dakota for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for University of South Dakota?

Admitted students at University of South Dakota typically have a median SAT around 1205 and a median ACT around 22. With a 99% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. University of South Dakota is located in Vermillion, SD. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend University of South Dakota?

The average net price at University of South Dakota is $19,858 per year after grants and scholarships. about 95% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $5,580 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at University of South Dakota?

University of South Dakota has a graduation rate of 61%. its first-year retention rate is 79%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $51,926. These federal outcome metrics let you compare University of South Dakota against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is University of South Dakota test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, University of South Dakota is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1205. With a 99% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors University of South Dakota's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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