South Dakota School of Mines and Technology SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At South Dakota Mines, a 24 ACT is not just the start of the middle 50% range; it also meets the SDOS scholarship cutoff for $1,500 to $7,500. Since most students submit ACT scores, aiming for the high 20s can strengthen your admission profile and merit-aid position.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology facts and stats
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology enrolls about 2,216 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. South Dakota Mines has an 84% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 52% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. South Dakota Mines is test-required for admissions.
Rapid City, SD
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Key South Dakota School of Mines and Technology application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 15
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
For South Dakota Mines, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. Because scores are required for admission by the February 15 Regular Decision deadline, plan on the December SAT or ACT as the last sitting likely to arrive in time and to help meet SDOS scholarship targets like SAT 1090+ or ACT 24+.
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What you'll actually pay
South Dakota Mines lists in-state tuition at $7,817 and out-of-state tuition at $12,242. About 35% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $3,544 for those who qualify.
Out-of-state tuition at South Dakota Mines is $12,242, compared with $7,817 for in-state students, and room and board is $8,680. About 35% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $14,379. Merit awards average $3,544, which can help reduce the billed cost. Graduates leave with an average debt of $32,995.
Student life at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
60% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SDAcceptance rate: 67.8%
SAT: 1190–1348
ACT: 21–27
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SDAcceptance rate: 96.3%
SAT: 980–1180
ACT: 18–24
Dakota State University
Madison, SDAcceptance rate: 88.1%
SAT: 1180–1410
ACT: 20–27
Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, SDAcceptance rate: 73.4%
SAT: 950–1420
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