What is the acceptance rate at University of South Dakota?

University of South Dakota's acceptance rate is approximately 99% (Vermillion, SD), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.

What SAT score do you need for University of South Dakota?

Admitted students at University of South Dakota typically score 1125–1315 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

How much does University of South Dakota cost?

At University of South Dakota, the average net price (after aid) is about $19,858 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.

How many undergraduates attend University of South Dakota?

University of South Dakota enrolls approximately 5,439 undergraduate students.

Where is University of South Dakota located?

University of South Dakota is located in Vermillion, SD.

University of South Dakota: Acceptance Rate, SAT & Cost — QuantAdmit

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University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SDpublicusd.edu

Acceptance

99%

SAT 25–75

1125–1315

Avg net price

$19,858

Earnings (10 yr)

$51,926

Graduation rate

60%

Admit rate has ranged 86%–99% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.

Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.

The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public liberal arts university with a near-open admissions policy (99% acceptance rate) and a tight-knit campus community in Vermillion. Known for its strong health professions and business programs, USD offers a low-cost education with high post-graduation employment rates (98% placement), making it a pragmatic choice for students seeking value and career readiness in the Midwest.

Admission requirements

Test-optional — scores considered if submitted

Required

High school transcript
College-prep program

Considered (not required)

Grade point average
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
TOEFL (non-native English)

Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.

More details

Undergrad enrollment: 5,439
In-state tuition: $9,432
Out-of-state tuition: $12,942
Campus Size: 274 acres
Student Clubs: 200+
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Median Alumni Salary: $49,835
6-Year Graduation Rate: 55%
Graduate Placement Rate: 98%

Outcomes & value

Median earnings (10 yr): $51,926
Value (earnings ÷ net price): 2.6×
Median debt at graduation: $23,592
Graduation rate: 60%
First-year retention: 79%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr): 69%
Pell (lower-income) share: 44%
First-generation share: 24%
Endowment / student: $58,400

Top-earning majors

Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.

Computer and Information Sciences, General$62,012
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$57,693
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions$54,252
Finance and Financial Management Services$44,971
Health and Medical Administrative Services$44,021
Marketing

Campus & location

Campus safety

On-campus violent crimes (2024): 6
Per 1,000 students: 1.10

On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.

Climate

Pleasant days / yr: 80
Summer high: 85°F
Winter low: 16°F
Annual rain: 27.8"
Annual snow: 28.1"
Natural-hazard risk: Very Low

Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.

Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility

Research output

Institutional h-index: 255
Scholarly works: 14,999

Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.

Quick answers

What is the acceptance rate at University of South Dakota?: University of South Dakota's acceptance rate is approximately 99% (Vermillion, SD), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of South Dakota?: Admitted students at University of South Dakota typically score 1125–1315 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of South Dakota cost?: At University of South Dakota, the average net price (after aid) is about $19,858 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of South Dakota?: University of South Dakota enrolls approximately 5,439 undergraduate students.
Where is University of South Dakota located?: University of South Dakota is located in Vermillion, SD.

Admissions

USD is one of the least selective public universities in the U.S., with a 99% acceptance rate — effectively open admissions for most applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1130–1320 or ACT scores of 19–25, though standardized tests are not required. Over 40% of incoming freshmen have GPAs above 3.75, suggesting a bifurcated student body: high-achieving locals and those seeking a second-chance institution. Notably, the confirms USD does not have an open admission policy in name, but its near-universal functions similarly.

bigfuture.collegeboard.org prepscholar.com niche.com usd.edu

Academics

USD leans heavily into healthcare and professional programs, with nursing, business, and health professions dominating its most popular majors. The university offers over 200 undergraduate programs across its colleges, emphasizing small class sizes (though exact student-faculty ratios aren't published). Students praise the nursing school in particular, while the Princeton Review notes the 'many options as far as majors go' in a classic comprehensive state university model. The curriculum is practical rather than avant-garde, with a focus on workforce alignment — consistent with its 97.9% graduate placement rate.