Acceptance Rate
98%
Avg. SAT
1240
75th percentile
“Land-grant workhorse in Brookings turning out practical agronomists, engineers, and nurses from South Dakota's farm country.”
Brookings, SD
Location
Town
Campus Setting
South Dakota State University traces its roots to 1881, when it opened as the Dakota Agriculture College amid the vast prairies of the Dakota Territory, evolving into the state's primary land-grant institution focused on agriculture, engineering, and practical sciences. Students who thrive here often come from rural backgrounds or seek hands-on training in fields like farming, aviation, or pharmacy, drawn to the straightforward, no-frills approach that emphasizes real-world skills over abstract theory. The campus sits in Brookings, a compact town of about 24,000 where the university anchors daily life, offering a tight-knit community but limited entertainment options beyond campus events.
You'll find a student body that's earnest and community-oriented, with many pursuing degrees that lead directly to Midwest jobs in agribusiness or healthcare. The school's personality reflects South Dakota's pioneer spirit—resilient and focused—though the remote location means long drives to bigger cities like Sioux Falls or Minneapolis. Tradeoffs include harsh winters with subzero temperatures that test your endurance and a quieter social scene compared to urban campuses.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classrooms buzz with future farmers dissecting crop yields in plant science labs or nursing students practicing in state-of-the-art simulation centers, reflecting SDSU's strengths in agriculture, pharmacy, and engineering. You'll encounter a mix of mid-sized lectures and small labs where professors, many with industry ties, push practical projects like breeding dairy cows or designing drones. Research opportunities abound at on-campus farms and the Dairy Plant, where undergrads contribute to real innovations in food science.
The intellectual culture rewards diligence over flash, with collaborative vibes in majors like aviation or journalism. Popular programs fill quickly, so declaring early helps, and large intro classes demand self-motivation. Overall, expect solid teaching in applied fields, though humanities offerings feel secondary to the STEM and ag focus.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
10,719 undergrad • 1,337 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
83%
Black / African American
1%
Hispanic / Latino
3%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
12%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Brookings, SD
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
A typical week mixes classes with Jackrabbit football tailgates, intramural sports, or ag club meetings, culminating in weekend hangs at the student union or nearby lakes for fishing. Hobo Days homecoming draws thousands in makeshift hobo costumes for parades and bonfires, injecting quirky energy into the otherwise steady rhythm. Residential life centers on 20-plus dorms and halls fostering floor communities, with many freshmen opting for traditional doubles.
The vibe skews wholesome and outdoorsy, with students embracing biking trails, disc golf, and bonfires despite the biting cold from October to April. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate, and the party scene stays low-key compared to bigger party schools. Brookings keeps costs down—apartments run affordable—but off-campus options dwindle after dark, pushing social life inward.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
The Summit League
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
84%
4 Years Graduation Rate
45%
6 Years Graduation Rate
60%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$55,070
84% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at South Dakota State University and return in the fall. 45% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 60% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
45%
4-5 years
15%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
39%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$7,773
Acceptance
98%
Undergrads
10,719
4-Year Grad Rate
45%
Endowment
$237M
Brookings, SD 57007-1898