What's New in University of South Dakota?
May 24, 2025: The total cost to attend University of South Dakota is increased for 2025-26 academic year. International students now need to estimate as per the following:
- Undergraduate: 24,587 USD or 20.95 lakhs INR per year (including tuition, living cost, and other expenses)
- Graduate: 25,127 USD or 21.40 lakhs INR per year (including tuition, living cost, and other expenses)
The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public research university located in Vermillion, South Dakota. This University offers 200 undergraduate majors and 80 graduate programs for domestic and international students. Popular programs at the University of South Dakota include business, engineering, health services and liberal arts. With an acceptance rate of 99%, the University of South Dakota maintains an accessible admissions process. About 2.3% of the total undergraduate and graduate student population comes from the 77 countries.
Undergraduate students require a minimum GPA of 2.6 on a 4.0 scale, which is 75% aggregate required. A bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally required for a graduate applicant. Furthermore, English proficiency requirements are mandatory for Indian students with a minimum score, including TOEFL ibt 79, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 100. For MBA students, the GMAT or GRE is required for admission to the University of South Dakota programs.
The annual tuition fee at this University ranges from$13,299 per year, depending on the program type and level. The University of South Dakota varies with additional fees for housing and other expenses. On-campus housing ranges from $10,590 annually per academic year, depending on the residence hall and meal plan selected. This university boasts a strong employment rate, with 97% of graduates employed, with average salaries reaching $37,900 per year.
- Highlights
- University of South Dakota Rankings
- University of South Dakota International Admissions
3.1 University of South Dakota Graduate Admission Requirements
3.2 University of South Dakota Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
- University of South Dakota Programs and Fees
- University of South Dakota Top Master's Programs and Fees
- University of South Dakota Top Bachelor’s Programs and Fees
- University of South Dakota Scholarships for International Students
- FAQS
Highlights
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| University Type and Establishment | A public university established in 1862 |
| Number of Campuses | 1 main campus |
| Campus Location | 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069, United States |
| Campus Area | 274 acres |
| Total Student Enrollment | 9,500 students, including UG and PG |
| International Student percentage | 6-7% |
| Country represented | 37 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98% |
| Employment Rate | The average salary is $60,000 after graduation |
| Official Website | https://www.usd.edu/ |
University of South Dakota Rankings
According to the data of US News & World Report Best National Universities, the University of South Dakota stands in the ranking at #273 in 2025. The table below shows the ranking progression throughout the year.
| Ranking type | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| US News Best National Universities | #273 | #269 |
| Forbes America's Top Colleges | #470 | #459 |
University of South Dakota International Admissions
The University of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 98%, which is the same as the 98% last year. This indicates that the university is constantly increasing towards student intake. The eligibility criteria for admission to the University of South Dakota at various academic levels are as follows:
University of South Dakota Graduate Admission Requirements
Indian students can apply directly through the Gradcas Application Portal. After you submit your application, you will receive an email with instructions to upload your documents. The general admission requirements for master's courses at the University of South Dakota are given below:
Application Portal: Gradcas Application Portal.
Application Fee: USD 38 (₹3,300 INR)
Admission requirements:
- 4-year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, which is 75% aggregate.
- Official certificates and documents from UG institutions.
Supporting documents :
- 2 letters of recommendation (LORS)
- A detailed SOP
- A detailed Resume
- Copy of passport
English Language Proficiency:
- TOEFL ibt: 74
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 105
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 48
University of South Dakota Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
The University of South Dakota allows international students to apply for Undergraduate courses through an online mode. The admission requirements for bachelor's programs are as follows:
Application Portals: USD Application portal
Application Fee: USD 20 (₹1,750 INR)
Admission requirements:
- Completion of high school.
- Official high school documents.
English Language Proficiency:
- TOEFL ibt: 71
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 105
- PTE Academic: 48
Supporting documents:
- 1 Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Detailed SOP
- Copy of passport identification page.
- Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements, sponsor letters).
University of South Dakota Programs and Fees
The University of South Dakota offers 280 undergraduate and 80 graduate programs for domestic as well as international students. Tuition fees for a bachelor's program at USD are $12,942 per year. Master's tuition fees widely range from USD 15,000 to USD 18,000 The table below shows some of the popular courses offered by the University for international as well as domestic students:
University of South Dakota Top Master's Programs and Fees
| Courses | Duration | Tuition fee(USD) | Tuition fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Biomedical Sciences | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Chemistry | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Physics | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Sustainability | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Psychology | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Communication Sciences & Disorders | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
University of South Dakota Top Bachelor’s Programs and Fees
| Courses | Duration | Tuition Fee (USD) | Tuition fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc in Computer Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Psychology | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BA in Political Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Environmental Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Data Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Statistics | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Mechanical Engineering | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Computer Engineering | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Biological Sciences | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
University of South Dakota Scholarships for International Students
For international students looking for financial assistance can explore or check out the following scholarships provided by the University:
| Scholarship | Degree | Amount | Eligibility | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Assistantship | PG | Tuition reduction + stipend | Awarded based on academic merit | Varies by department |
| External Scholarships | PG & UG | $2,000–$10,000 | Offered by external organisations | The program deadline varies |
| Coyote Beginnings Scholarship | UG | $4,000 | based on high school GPA | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
| Coyote Beginnings Grant | UG | $1,500–$2,500 | based on qualifying SAT/ACT scores | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
| International Transfer Scholarship | UG | $3,000/year | from U.S. institutions with a GPA of 3.0 or higher | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
| Global Community Scholarship | UG | $2,000 | Commitment to global engagement and community involvement | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
| Presidential Alumni Scholarship | UG | $9,000 | High academic achievement | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
The University of South Dakota (USD) provides international students with a supportive and career-focused educational environment. With a placement rate of approximately 97% for graduates, USD emphasises career guidance through its Centre for Career Design, offering services like resume reviews, mock interviews, and career counselling. The Gallagher International Centre assists international students with visa compliance and offers guidance on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. USD's affordable tuition and scholarship opportunities further enhance its appeal to international students seeking quality education and promising career prospects.
FAQS
Ques: How many international students are enrolled at USD?
Ans: At the University of South Dakota (also USD), there are 606 international students enrolled from 77 countries.
Ques: What housing options are available for students at USD?
Ans: USD offers various on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and suite-style accommodations. The average cost ranges from $7,000 to $8,000 per year.
Ques: What student organisations and activities are available at USD?
Ans: USD boasts over 300 student organisations covering academics, arts, culture, and more. Additionally, there are over 30 intramural sports and various cultural events throughout the year.
University of South Dakota Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MBA Business Analytics 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026) | USD 13,127 /Yr | 35 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL-79, IELTS-6.0, Duolingo-110 | |
MBA 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026) | USD 13,127 /Yr | 35 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL(79), IELTS(6.0), Duolingo-110 | |
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026) | USD 13,127 /Yr | 36 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL-79, IELTS-6.0, Duolingo-110 | - | |
M.S Computer Science 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026) | USD 13,127 /Yr | 36 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL-79, IELTS-6.0, Duolingo-110 | - |
B.B.A Operational Analytics 4 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jun 2026) | USD 13,299 /Yr | 20 | GPA 2.6, TOEFL-71, IELTS-6.0, Duolingo-105 | - |
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University of South Dakota comparison
| University Name | University of South Dakota | South Dakota State University | University of Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | 6.8 Out of 10 |
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| Acceptance Rate | 99.0 % | 99.0 % | 45.0 % |
| Exam Score | |||
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| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 1001 out of 3118 in Global Ranking
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University of South Dakota Student Profiles
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University of South Dakota Reviews
1 Reviews Found
Likes
- I really liked the freedom that college life afforded.
- I really enjoyed the Greek system there.
Dislikes
- I didn't like how much people drank or binge drank.
Overview
Since I was a resident of the state it was very easy for me to get it. I had to take a test called the ACT. I took it twice and got a very decent score. I was immediately accepted into the freshman class that year.
Campus Life
There were lots of clubs on campus. I was in the radio station as extracurricular the entire time that I was there and cherish the memories. There's also very active Greek scene that took up a lot of my free time.
University of South Dakota Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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University of South Dakota Admissions
Application Portal: https://apply.sdbor.edu/login.cfm
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
University of South Dakota Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of South Dakota Campuses, Schools & Faculties
University of South Dakota Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7579 | 5108 | 2471 | 274 |
University of South Dakota Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Super Market
- Airport
- Bus Station
Super Market
Bus Station
Airport
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
Comments
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The graduate admission deadline for University of South Dakota is April 15 for Fall semester and October 15 for Spring semester. Applications along with the necessary documents are to be submitted before the given deadlines.