Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
82.1% Acceptance Rate
University of Sioux Falls — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
82.1%Acceptance Rate
3.8Avg GPA
$32,728Annual Cost
$54,521Grad Salary
29%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
82.1%
Avg GPA
3.8
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
29% receive Pell
University of Sioux Falls is a private, Christian liberal arts university in South Dakota known for its commitment to academic excellence, faith integration, and service. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university fosters a supportive campus community that encourages intellectual, personal, and professional growth. Its focus on preparing students for lives of purpose and service makes it a meaningful choice for those seeking a values-centered education.
University of Sioux Falls Acceptance Rate
Admission at University of Sioux Falls is inclusive by design. 82.1% 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 — 82.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.80 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.60 – 3.79
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.35
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Sioux Falls Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of Sioux Falls follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
University of Sioux Falls reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 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.
University of Sioux Falls GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Sioux Falls is 3.8. That makes admissions here extremely selective. Most admitted students carry straight A's, with very little room for a B.
If your GPA sits between 3.50 and 3.8, a high SAT or ACT score is the most reliable way to compensate.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 4.00–4.20.University of Sioux Falls GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
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
3.80 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.60 – 3.79
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.40 – 3.59
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.39
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Test-blind: SAT/ACT scores are not required and may not be considered even if submitted; average admitted GPA is around 3.8.
- Offers an Accelerated Nursing program and a separate LPN-to-BSN completion option, each with distinct admission requirements from the traditional four-year BSN track.
- Recognized among the best colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy programs nationally.
- Private Baptist university with a Christian liberal arts identity; founded in 1883.
- 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 University of Sioux Falls
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from University of Sioux Falls's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Sioux Falls Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at University of Sioux Falls. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into University of Sioux Falls Without SAT or ACT?
University of Sioux Falls neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average. Otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Sioux Falls
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Sioux Falls takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Understand USF Is Genuinely Test-Blind
SAT/ACT submission is not required and, per detailed reporting, not considered even if submitted. USF's holistic review leans heavily on GPA (average admitted GPA around 3.8) and the application essay, so polishing those specific components matters more than standardized testing prep.
Target the Accelerated Nursing or LPN-to-BSN Track Specifically
USF offers a specific Accelerated Nursing program with its own admission requirements distinct from the traditional four-year BSN, plus an LPN-to-BSN completion option. Identify which specific nursing pathway matches the current credential level and apply to that track directly rather than the general freshman nursing application.
Leverage the Recognized Strength in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy
USF has been recognized among the best colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy programs. Ask specifically about clinical/lab facilities and faculty credentials - a program-level distinction beyond the university's general reputation.
Research the Baptist Heritage for Cultural Fit
USF is a private Baptist university with a Christian liberal arts identity. Research the specific expectations around chapel, faith integration in coursework, and campus culture before assuming it operates like a secular private university.
Expert Insight:
Different sources describe USF's acceptance rate anywhere from 70% to 92% depending on the year and reporting source. Request the university's most current acceptance and enrollment data directly from admissions rather than relying on a single third-party aggregator.
University of Sioux Falls Profile
Full Name
University of Sioux Falls
City
Sioux Falls
State
South Dakota
ZIP Code
57105-1699
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of Sioux Falls Degree Worth It?
At $32,728/year against a $54,521 median graduate salary, University of Sioux Falls is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $57,500, and graduates see a 2.18% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from University of Sioux Falls Cost?
Listed tuition runs $32,728/year at University of Sioux Falls. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At University of Sioux Falls, 29% receive a Pell Grant and 66.9% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming University of Sioux Falls on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a University of Sioux Falls Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, University of Sioux Falls graduates report a median income of $54,521, about 34% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Degree Programs at University of Sioux Falls
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Sioux Falls Admissions
University of Sioux Falls graduates earn a moderate median salary of $54,521/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at University of Sioux Falls is moderate, around $32,728/year; many students supplement with aid.
29.0% of University of Sioux Falls students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
University of Sioux Falls's acceptance rate is 82.1%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted University of Sioux Falls students is 3.8, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.5 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of Sioux Falls. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.4 or below makes admission tougher at University of Sioux Falls, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
University of Sioux Falls follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before February 1, 2026. That's University of Sioux Falls'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.
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