South Dakota State University Admission
Acceptance Rate
98.34%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
34.06%
Freshmen Enrollment
2,441
SAT Scores
1,130
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 7,287 students have applied and 7,166 students have allowed to admit to South Dakota State University (Acceptance rate: 98.34%). South Dakota State's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 34.06 % where 2,441 students have finally enrolled out of 7,166 admitted students.
South Dakota State acceptance rate is higher (easier to admit) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in South Dakota. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as James Madison University and University of Nevada-Reno, its acceptance rate is much higher (very easy to get in) (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 69.38%).
South Dakota State enrollment rate (yield) is lower (less admitted-students enrolled) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in South Dakota. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is average (average yield is 20.67%).
How to Apply to South Dakota State University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply South Dakota State. South Dakota State offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | https://www.sdstate.edu/admissions |
|---|---|
| Online Application | https://www.sdstate.edu/admissions/apply-now |
| Financial Aid | https://www.sdstate.edu/office-financial-aid-scholarships |
| Net Price Calculator | https://www.sdstate.edu/admissions/net-price-calculator |
| Veterans Tuition | https://www.sdstate.edu/veterans-affairs-office/veterans-affairs-benefits |
| Athletic | https://www.ncaa.org/ |
| Disability Service | https://www.sdstate.edu/disability-services |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at South Dakota State and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at South Dakota State University is 1,130 and the average ACT score is 22. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of South Dakota State University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,240). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University | 1,130 | 22 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,240 | 27 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges | 1,112 | 67 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges in South Dakota | 1,131 | 68 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At South Dakota State University, 45 students submitted SAT scores (2% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,130 and it is around average than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in South Dakota. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 530 | 570 | 610 |
| Mathematics | 530 | 560 | 630 |
| Total | 1,060 | 1,130 | 1,240 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At South Dakota State University, 1,828 students submitted ACT scores (75% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 22 and it is lower than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in South Dakota. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 19 | 22 | 25 |
| English | 18 | 21 | 24 |
| Mathematics | 18 | 23 | 26 |
South Dakota State Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to South Dakota State University. The school requires 5 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school rank, Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
3 items are Considered if submitted - Recommendations, Admission test scores, and Legacy status.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Required |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Required |
| Recommendations | Considered, if submitted |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Not Considered |
| Legacy status | Considered, if submitted |