2025 admissions data

South Dakota State University Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 98.3% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 98 actually get in. No guessing. South Dakota State University is a 4YEAR institution located in Brookings, SD — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a strong match for students drawn to hands-on STEM fields, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and nursing. If you thrive in a rural setting and appreciate a close-knit community, the campus offers a uniquely intimate environment often lost in larger universities. However, if you prefer a vibrant urban lifestyle or seek a rich variety of liberal arts programs, the experience at SDSU may feel limited. Be prepared for the trade-off: smaller faculties mean closer interactions, but they also come with the challenge of fewer electives outside your area of study. Time spent in a rural context may enhance certain educational experiences while potentially sacrificing access to metropolitan cultural events. Students looking for a comprehensive liberal arts education, particularly those not keen on STEM, might want to consider other options. Ultimately, if you favor a tight-knit academic atmosphere with a focused approach to technical studies, SDSU could be an excellent choice.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

98.0%

Acceptance Rate

Women

98.7%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

7,287

Admitted

7,166

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose South Dakota State University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math530–630

Reading530–610

ACT Score Range

English18–24

Math18–26

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

Putting the South Dakota State University Acceptance Rate into Perspective

Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at South Dakota State University offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.

An acceptance rate of 98.3% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.

Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty

Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At South Dakota State University, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.

Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.

Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool

For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at South Dakota State University is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.

When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.

Admissions Insight

One critical factor influencing student outcomes at SDSU is its emphasis on applied learning experiences, particularly in STEM fields. The university's strong focus on agriculture, engineering, and nursing means students often engage in internships, research projects, and cooperative education opportunities that provide practical skills alongside academic knowledge. For those entering fields like engineering or nursing, this hands-on approach not only enhances your learning but also significantly boosts your employability upon graduation. Employers often value real-world experience, and SDSU’s unique structure allows it to prepare students directly for job markets that are increasingly looking for candidates with both theoretical understanding and practical skills. However, the intense focus on STEM may create a mismatch for students interested in exploring a broader spectrum of academic disciplines. While students in these focused programs often benefit from strong workforce connections, those in other areas of study may find distinct challenges. They may have limited networking opportunities in non-STEM fields, as the majority of institutional resources are directed toward engineering and agricultural programs. Students should consider whether they thrive in an environment that prioritizes certain disciplines over others. This could potentially affect their overall experience and results during and after their college journey, especially if their interests lie outside the university's primary focus areas.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $20

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: https://www.sdstate.edu/admissions/apply-now

Your Chances of Getting Into South Dakota State University

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at South Dakota State University based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Is South Dakota State University a Reach, Target, or Safety School?

One of the most common reasons students research admissions data is to categorize schools. Where does South Dakota State University belong on your list? Is it a reach, a realistic target, or a safer option?

There’s no universal answer. For some applicants, South Dakota State University may represent a strong target where preparation aligns well with admissions expectations. For others—especially those applying to competitive programs—it may function more like a reach.

How to Think About Your Chances Holistically

Admissions outcomes depend on more than a single statistic. Academic rigor, consistency, course selection, and clarity of intent all influence how applications are reviewed. That’s why two students with similar GPAs can experience very different results.

Using admissions data effectively means pairing it with self-assessment. When students understand both their own profiles and how the university evaluates applicants, decisions become clearer and more grounded. In that sense, acceptance data isn’t about predicting outcomes—it’s about making smarter choices before applying.

Should You Apply to South Dakota State University?

If 98.3% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore South Dakota State University

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About South Dakota State University Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate between 98-99%, making it relatively accessible for applicants. This high acceptance rate reflects the university's commitment to providing educational opportunities to a broad range of students.

How much is in-state tuition at SDSU?

In-state tuition at South Dakota State University is approximately $9,299 per year. This cost may vary slightly depending on specific program fees and additional expenses.

What are the most popular majors at South Dakota State University?

Most popular majors at SDSU include agriculture, engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and liberal arts, reflecting the university's strengths in these areas and its commitment to practical, applied education.

What is the graduation rate for SDSU?

The graduation rate at South Dakota State University hovers around 59-60%. This rate indicates the percentage of students who complete their degree programs within a set period.

Does SDSU require SAT or ACT scores?

The test policy at South Dakota State University is currently unknown. Prospective students should check directly with admissions for the most up-to-date information regarding standardized test requirements.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

South Dakota State University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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