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Summit League

South Dakota State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1070 to 1220

ACT Range19 to 25

Average GPA3.57

Acceptance Rate98.3%

With a 98.3% acceptance rate, your bigger target at South Dakota State is merit aid: the SDOS scholarship starts at a 24 ACT or 1090 SAT and offers $1,500 to $7,500. Since 75% submit ACT scores, aiming for 24+ is a concrete way to strengthen your case.

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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 State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

South Dakota State University enrolls 10,728 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. South Dakota State has an 84% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its six-year graduation rate is 62%.

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Location

Brookings, SD

Undergrad Enrollment10,728

Freshman Retention84%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty RatioN/A

Graduation Rate62%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at South Dakota State?

Key South Dakota State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

September 4

Early Action

—

Early Decision

—

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

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

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional South Dakota State, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year for a retake and superscoring opportunities. Because the Regular Decision deadline is September 4, an August retake is the last realistic chance to have scores ready in time. Aim for SAT 1090+ or ACT 24+ if you want to be considered for SDOS merit awards.

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What you'll actually pay

South Dakota State, a public university in the Summit League, lists in-state tuition at $7,773 and out-of-state tuition at $11,283. About 40% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $2,319. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.

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In-State Tuition$7,773

Room and Board$10,176

Average Merit Award$2,319

Application Fee$20

Students on Aid40%

Average Aid Package$11,433

Average Debt at Grad$30,134

South Dakota State’s out-of-state tuition is $11,283, while in-state tuition is $7,773, with room and board adding about $10,176. About 40% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $11,433. Merit awards average $2,319, which can help reduce costs for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $30,134.

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