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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1160 to 1378
ACT Range24 to 30
Average GPA3.57
Acceptance Rate79.9%

At South Dakota Mines, a 24 ACT is not just the start of the middle 50% range; it also meets the SDOS scholarship cutoff for $1,500 to $7,500. Since most students submit ACT scores, aiming for the high 20s can strengthen your admission profile and merit-aid position.

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Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology facts and stats

Quick Facts

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology enrolls about 2,216 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. South Dakota Mines has an 84% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 52% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. South Dakota Mines is test-required for admissions.

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Location

Rapid City, SD

How do your scores compare at South Dakota Mines?

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Key South Dakota School of Mines and Technology application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

February 15

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Coming soon

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

For South Dakota Mines, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. Because scores are required for admission by the February 15 Regular Decision deadline, plan on the December SAT or ACT as the last sitting likely to arrive in time and to help meet SDOS scholarship targets like SAT 1090+ or ACT 24+.

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What you'll actually pay

South Dakota Mines lists in-state tuition at $7,817 and out-of-state tuition at $12,242. About 35% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $3,544 for those who qualify.

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House illustration

Out-of-state tuition at South Dakota Mines is $12,242, compared with $7,817 for in-state students, and room and board is $8,680. About 35% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $14,379. Merit awards average $3,544, which can help reduce the billed cost. Graduates leave with an average debt of $32,995.

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Student life at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Choral groups
Housing

60% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Guaranteed

Coed
Men only
Women only
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.

Similar schools

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