Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Brookings, South Dakota
98.7% Acceptance Rate
South Dakota State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
98.7%Acceptance Rate
3.53Avg GPA
1121Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$22,761Annual Cost
$55,070Grad Salary
16.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
98.7%
Avg GPA
3.53
Avg SAT
1121
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1040–1300
ACT Middle 50%
19–26
Avg Net Price
$18,219
Need-Based Aid
16.1% receive Pell
South Dakota State University is a public, land-grant research institution that excels in agriculture, engineering, and health sciences. Admissions are competitive, focusing on the strength of a student's high school curriculum and their academic performance in core subjects. The university seeks intellectually ambitious students who are ready to work in a research-intensive environment and contribute to its strong tradition of innovation, industry collaboration, and student-led academic initiatives.
When applying, students should focus on highlighting their success in advanced, core academic courses, as well as their involvement in projects that require critical thinking or leadership. Highlighting interest in interdisciplinary research or competitive academic activities is highly recommended. The university values applicants who are focused, ambitious, and ready to leverage the vast research and networking resources of a top-tier public research university to achieve their long-term professional objectives.
South Dakota State University Acceptance Rate
Admission at South Dakota State University is inclusive by design. 98.7% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 98.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.53 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.33 – 3.52
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.08
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
South Dakota State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark December 1 for South Dakota State University (Priority — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 112 days left — Priority
Priority
December 1
Regular
August 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
South Dakota State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at South Dakota State University is 3.53. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.23 and 3.53? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.73–3.93.South Dakota State University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.53 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.33 – 3.52
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.13 – 3.32
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.12
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Land-grant university in Brookings, SD (Jackrabbits); rolling admission; ~99% acceptance with an index-based standard.
- Meet any one of four regental criteria to be admitted; average admitted GPA roughly 3.57.
- Jackrabbit Guarantee scholarship is automatic-no application-and is upgradeable with scores submitted by Aug. 1 / Dec. 1.
- Sources conflict on essays: SDSU's own general freshman admission is index-based with no required essay, though some aggregators list a personal statement-likely tied to scholarships or specific programs, so verify per program.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at South Dakota State University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from South Dakota State University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
South Dakota State University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at South Dakota State University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into South Dakota State University Without SAT or ACT?
South Dakota State University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
South Dakota State University Average SAT Score: 1121
Admitted students at South Dakota State University average a 1121 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1121 — Less Competitive
A 1121 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1300 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. Below average? South Dakota State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1040? A retake is worth it at South Dakota State University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 590 | 520 | 660 |
| SAT Reading | 580 | 520 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1121 | 1040 | 1300 |
A score under 1040 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1300+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into South Dakota State University with a 1300 SAT?
At 1300, your SAT is squarely in South Dakota State University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
South Dakota State University ACT Requirements
South Dakota State University's admitted students average an ACT of 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 23 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 26 |
| ACT English | 22 | 18 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 19 | 26 |
Can I get into South Dakota State University with a 26 ACT?
At 26, you're in the top quarter of South Dakota State University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, South Dakota State University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for South Dakota State University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
South Dakota State University's open-access model means the real strategic decisions happen after enrollment: course planning, advising, and whether to transfer later.
Clear admission by hitting just ONE of four thresholds
The South Dakota Board of Regents standard means you only need to satisfy a single criterion: 18 ACT / 970+ SAT, OR a 2.6+ high-school GPA, OR top 60% of your class, OR Level 3+ on the Smarter Balanced Math and ELA assessments. A solid GPA alone admits you test-free-so don't over-invest in retesting if your transcript already clears the bar. Apply early on the rolling timeline to register before sections fill.
Engineer your Jackrabbit Guarantee award tier
SDSU's Jackrabbit Guarantee is an automatic, index-based scholarship-no separate application-set by your GPA or GPA+test combination. The lever students miss: you can bump your award by sending an improved ACT/SAT or updated GPA by Aug. 1 (fall start) or Dec. 1 (spring start). One extra test sitting before that cutoff can move you a full tier; after the date, your award is locked.
Compete for Stai Honors through the interview track
The top scholarships-Stai Honors ($20,000 over four years) and the Pell-eligible Stai Honors Access-are decided by competitive interview, not just numbers. Minimums to be invited: roughly a 30+ ACT or 3.9 GPA for Stai (26+ ACT or 3.9 GPA plus Pell eligibility for Access), with extensive leadership. Complete the Academic Scholarship Application in MyState and prepare a leadership-and-impact narrative-recipients enter the Fishback Honors College.
Plan signature programs as pre-professional pathways
SDSU's standout programs-PharmD (Pharmacy), Nursing, and its nationally distinctive Dairy Science program (the campus runs its own dairy plant), plus Agriculture and Engineering-reward early sequencing. For Pharmacy and Nursing especially, map the pre-professional general-education prerequisites from your first semester so you're positioned for direct-entry or pre-professional progression rather than scrambling to qualify later.
Expert Insight:
Sources cite a ~99% acceptance rate, which lulls students into treating SDSU as effortless-but the SAME GPA/test index that admits you also sets your scholarship dollars and Honors College eligibility, on hard Aug. 1 / Dec. 1 deadlines. Treating test scores as irrelevant because admission is test-optional is the costly mistake: miss the score-update cutoff and you permanently forfeit a higher Jackrabbit Guarantee tier you otherwise qualified for.
South Dakota State University Profile
Full Name
South Dakota State University
City
Brookings
State
South Dakota
ZIP Code
57007-1898
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a South Dakota State University Degree Worth It?
Whether South Dakota State University is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $53,000, and graduates see a 2.48% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from South Dakota State University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $22,761/year at South Dakota State University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $18,219.
At South Dakota State University, 16.1% receive a Pell Grant and 45.8% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming South Dakota State University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a South Dakota State University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, South Dakota State University graduates report a median income of $55,070, about 36% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than South Dakota State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as South Dakota State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than South Dakota State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at South Dakota State University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota State University Admissions
South Dakota State University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $55,070/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at South Dakota State University is relatively affordable, around $22,761/year.
16.1% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. South Dakota State University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
South Dakota State University's acceptance rate is 98.7%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted South Dakota State University students is 3.53, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.23 puts you in the standard applicant pool at South Dakota State University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.13 or below makes admission tougher at South Dakota State University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
South Dakota State University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1121, and within the 1040–1300 range, keeps you competitive.
South Dakota State University's deadline is December 1 (Priority).
South Dakota State University charges an application fee of 20; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before December 15, 2026. That's South Dakota State University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
Acceptance Rate of all South Dakota Colleges
Average SAT Score of South Dakota Colleges
Average ACT Score
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Rolling Admissions Colleges in South Dakota