About

About University of South Dakota

open access admissionshealth sciences focussouth dakota flagshipdoctoral research university

University of South Dakota is a public research university in Vermillion, SD, known for its open access admissions, health sciences focus, and south dakota flagship. With an acceptance rate of 99%, USD is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,329 students each year. USD is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1145–1260, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. USD offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $3,679 per year; the sticker price of $27,367 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of South Dakota acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

99%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1203
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1145 – 1260 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of South Dakota

Application Strategy
With a 99% acceptance rate, USD admits nearly all applicants, so focus your energy on completing the application accurately and submitting all required materials on time rather than agonizing over every detail.
Test Score Strategy
USD is test optional and admits almost everyone, so if your score is below the 75th percentile, skip submitting it since it adds no benefit and your application will be evaluated just as strongly without it.

Financial Aid & Cost

What University of South Dakota actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$27k/yr$14.9k
30k-48k~$27k/yr$15.9k
48k-75k~$27k/yr$18.5k
75k-110k~$27k/yr$21.2k
110k+~$27k/yr$22.2k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

61%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$46k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
5,218
Undergrad Enrollment
University of South Dakota Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch