South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a large public land-grant research university in Brookings, South Dakota. It is the state's largest school, with approximately 11,500 students. Admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 99%. Popular majors at SDSU are Agriculture, Nursing, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Business. SDSU's six-year graduation rate is approximately 61%. Alumni have a median salary of approximately INR 50,00,000 (equivalent to $60,200) after ten years of graduation. The university has a reputation for agricultural and engineering research as well as NCAA Division I athletics.
University of South Dakota (USD) is the state's official public liberal arts and research university, situated in Vermillion, South Dakota. It has an enrollment of around 9,500 students. Admissions are also moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 99%. The most popular majors are Business, Health Professions, Psychology, Education, and Law. The six-year graduation rate at USD is around 56%. Alumni have a median salary of almost INR 49,00,000 (approximately $59,000 converted) ten years after graduation. USD stands out for having the state's sole law and medical schools, and for its significant emphasis on liberal arts and professional education.
| South Dakota State University | University of South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1001 Times Higher Education 2025 # 1255 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 296 US News 2024 | # 1001 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 Times Higher Education 2025 # 1588 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 601 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 1001 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023 # 122 for Law by US News 2024 |
| Programs | UG Programs -65 PG Programs -33 Doctorate Programs -25 | UG Programs -55 PG Programs -28 |
| Acceptance Rate | 99.0 % | 99.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-5.5 SAT-980 TOEFL-71 | IELTS-6 SAT-1010 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 16394 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 12060 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24699 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 14624 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 14449 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 20271 Per Year |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | - | 4.7/10 Read 1 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 101 for Sciences by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 | # 1001 for Biology by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 100/160IELTS - 6.0/9TOEFL - 71/120 | IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -12060 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -14449 |
| application dates | Oct 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Apr 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) | May 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake) Oct 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) |
| General Facts | South Dakota State University | University of South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 32:1 |
| Male:Female | 47% Male, 53% Female | 60% Male, 40% Female |
| Hostel | #Off campus (with family) - $6171 #On campus - $8563 #Off campus (not with family) - $9965 | #Off campus (with family) - $4028 #On campus - $8030 #Off campus (not with family) - $8213 |
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South Dakota State University vs University of South Dakota
Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)
Neither the University of South Dakota (USD) nor South Dakota State University (SDSU) are highly ranked worldwide by QS or Times Higher Education. Both institutions, however, enjoy excellent regional and national reputations in the U.S. Midwest.SDSU: The state's largest and primary land-grant research university, SDSU is a leader in agriculture, engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and veterinary sciencesUSD: The state's oldest public university, USD is respected for law, business, liberal arts, medicine, and fine arts, and contains South Dakota's only medical and law schools.
General Information
SDSU (Brookings, SD): Established in 1881, with more than 11,000 students, it provides a big-campus atmosphere and broad range of research opportunities, particularly in applied sciences and agricultural studies.USD (Vermillion, SD): Established in 1862, with approximately 9,500 students, it offers a more close-knit liberal arts campus while positioning the state's professional schools of medicine and law.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both of the universities are public institutions of learning, with acceptance rates of approximately 99%. SDSU receives students interested in science, technology, and agriculture, whereas USD draws students taking professional programs and liberal arts.
Research Impact & Facilities
SDSU: Focused on STEM, agriculture, and applied science research through the likes of the Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Lab and engineering research facilities.USD: More focused on the humanities, social sciences, medicine, and law, with the Sanford School of Medicine and the sole ABA-accredited law school in the state.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are budget-friendly public institutions, particularly for residents. Tuition is usually between $9,000–$11,000 annually (in-state) and around $12,000–$15,000 (out-of-state) before aid. Both schools have state and federal financial assistance, merit grants, and scholarships.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
SDSU: Strong outcomes in engineering, healthcare, agriculture, and technology-related fields, with strong ties to regional industries.USD: Produces many of the state’s leaders in law, medicine, politics, and the arts, supported by a close-knit alumni network.
