South Dakota State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 98.3% acceptance rate, your bigger target at South Dakota State is merit aid: the SDOS scholarship starts at a 24 ACT or 1090 SAT and offers $1,500 to $7,500. Since 75% submit ACT scores, aiming for 24+ is a concrete way to strengthen your case.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
South Dakota State University facts and stats
South Dakota State University enrolls 10,728 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. South Dakota State has an 84% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its six-year graduation rate is 62%.
Brookings, SD
How do your scores compare at South Dakota State?
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Key South Dakota State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
September 4
Early Action
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Early Decision
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Priority Deadline
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Financial Aid Priority
March 1
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
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional South Dakota State, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year for a retake and superscoring opportunities. Because the Regular Decision deadline is September 4, an August retake is the last realistic chance to have scores ready in time. Aim for SAT 1090+ or ACT 24+ if you want to be considered for SDOS merit awards.
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What you'll actually pay
South Dakota State, a public university in the Summit League, lists in-state tuition at $7,773 and out-of-state tuition at $11,283. About 40% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $2,319. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.
South Dakota State’s out-of-state tuition is $11,283, while in-state tuition is $7,773, with room and board adding about $10,176. About 40% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $11,433. Merit awards average $2,319, which can help reduce costs for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $30,134.
Student life at South Dakota State University
49% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
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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