University of South Dakota SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
South Dakota admits most applicants, so your test score can be a scholarship lever, not just an admissions factor. Aim for at least a 24 ACT, which meets the SDOS cutoff for $1,500 to $7,500 and lands near the top of the school’s 19 to 25 middle range.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of South Dakota facts and stats
University of South Dakota enrolls 7,619 undergraduates. South Dakota has a 79% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 60% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. South Dakota is test-required for admissions.
Vermillion, SD
How do your scores compare at South Dakota?
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key University of South Dakota application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 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
Because South Dakota requires test scores, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. For the April 1 financial aid priority deadline and SDOS awards that require a 1090+ SAT or 24+ ACT, a November retake should still leave time for scores to arrive.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of South Dakota?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
South Dakota, a public Summit League university, lists in-state tuition at $7,773 and out-of-state tuition at $11,283. About 32% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $2,684. Submit the FAFSA by the April 1 priority deadline.
South Dakota’s out-of-state tuition is $11,283, with in-state tuition at $7,773 and room and board at $10,356. About 32% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $10,732. Merit awards average $2,684, which can help lower billed costs. Graduates leave with an average debt of $30,117.
Student life at University of South Dakota
37% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 18% of men join fraternities, and 12% of women join sororities.
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
Ready to fit University of South Dakota's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.