← All Colleges

How to Get Into University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · Public · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

University of South Dakota Admissions Statistics

99%
Acceptance Rate
530-620
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
595-695
SAT Math (mid 50%)
19-25
ACT (mid 50%)
5,439
Undergrads
60%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into University of South Dakota

The bar here is clear

University of South Dakota admits most qualified applicants. Clear the academic bar (the ranges below) and your odds are strong. The real questions become fit, cost, and whether it earns its slot on your list, not whether you can get in.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1125-1315 combined SAT or 19-25 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Test policy here is "Required for some programs", check the fine print for your specific program.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where University of South Dakota fits.

University of South Dakota Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Regular Decision (RD) Rolling

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $21
Test scores Required for some programs
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Not required

University of South Dakota Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $24,422
Tuition & fees (in-state / out-of-state) $9,432 / $12,942
Room & board (on campus) $10,356
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $19,858

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $14,921
$30-48k $15,942
$48-75k $18,540
$75-110k $21,202
$110k+ $22,193
18.7%
Students receiving Pell Grants
40%
Students taking federal loans
79%
Freshman retention rate
16:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use University of South Dakota's Official Net Price Calculator →

More University of South Dakota Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for University of South Dakota:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at University of South Dakota, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into University of South Dakota, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon University of South Dakota's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships University of South Dakota students actually win

Similar Schools