About
The University of South Dakota is a public research university in Vermillion, South Dakota. The University of South Dakota was founded in 1862 and is the oldest and largest university in the state. The university has a student body of over 15,000 students, including over 7,000 undergraduate students and over 8,000 graduate students.
What is the acceptance rate of the University of South Dakota?
The acceptance rate at the University of South Dakota is 99%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The average tuition fees for international students at University of South Dakota are $32,000 per year. The university offers a variety of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and research opportunities. The University of South Dakota also has a beautiful campus and a close-knit community.
Top Reasons to Study in the University of South Dakota
- Diverse student body: The University of South Dakota has a diverse student body with students from all over the world. This means that you will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with people from all over the world.
- Beautiful campus: University of South Dakota's campus is located in Vermillion, South Dakota, and is known for its beauty. The campus is home to over 1,200 acres of land, including the Dahl Fine Arts Center and the Betty and Gene Geddes Sculpture Garden.
- Variety of extracurricular activities: University of South Dakota offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, so you can find something that you are interested in. There are also many opportunities to get involved in the community.
- Vibrant campus life: University of South Dakota has a vibrant campus life, with something happening all the time. There are concerts, sporting events, and other activities happening all year round.
- Strong research opportunities: University of South Dakota offers a variety of research opportunities, both in the classroom and in the field. The university has over 500 research projects underway, and the university's research expenditures exceed $50 million per year.
- Competitive scholarships: University of South Dakota offers a variety of scholarships to both domestic and international students. The university awarded over $50 million in scholarships to students in the 2021-2022 academic year.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
99%
Application Fee
$20 - $38
How to Apply at University of South Dakota
- Visit the University of South Dakota website and create an account. [Link]
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your high school transcript.
- Submit all the applicable test scores from your specific program.
- Submit an application essay.
- Pay the application fee - $50
Documents Required to Apply to University of South Dakota
- Official high school transcript: The transcript must be translated into English and certified by a translation agency.
- Official college transcripts: The transcripts must be translated into English and certified by a translation agency.
- Proof of English language proficiency: You must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. The minimum TOEFL score is 79 iBT or 600 PBT, and the minimum IELTS score is 6.0.
- Letters of recommendation: You should submit two letters of recommendation from academic references in your University of South Dakota application.
- Personal statement: You should submit a personal statement that discusses your academic and personal goals in your application for getting admitted to the University of South Dakota.
- Financial documentation: You will need to provide documentation of your financial resources to apply to the University of South Dakota. This may include bank statements, tax returns, or letters from sponsors.
- Standardized Test Scores: Applicable test scores like GMAT may be required based on the program you choose.
- Application Fee: The application fee for University of South Dakota international students is $50.
Note: University of South Dakota does not have a minimum GPA requirement for international students, but the average GPA for admitted students is 3.5.
Exams Accepted By University of South Dakota
- TOEFL - 79 (IBT)
- IELTS - 6.0
The standardized test scores may differ based on the program you choose. Check the official website of the university for more information.
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
- City bus: The city's bus system offers free rides to all University of South Dakota students, faculty, and staff. The buses run throughout the city and to surrounding areas, making it easy to get around without a car.
- Bikes: Vermillion is a very bike-friendly city, with many bike lanes and trails. Students can bring their bikes to campus, or they can rent bikes from the university's bike-sharing program, USD Bikes.
- Walking: The University of South Dakota campus is relatively small and walkable, so many students choose to walk to class and around campus.
- Cars: Cars are not necessary for getting around Vermillion, but some students choose to have cars for the convenience of being able to travel to other parts of the state or to go home on weekends.
- Ride-sharing services: There are several ride-sharing services available in Vermillion, such as Uber and Lyft. These services can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you are travelling with a group of people.
- Zipcar: Zipcar is a car-sharing service that allows members to rent cars by hour or day. This can be a good option for students of the University of South Dakota who need a car for occasional trips but do not want to own a car full-time.
Services offered by the university
- Academic Advising: The University of South Dakota offers individual and group advising to students. Advisors can help students with course selection, academic planning, and career exploration.
- Career Services: The University of South Dakota Career Services office helps students with resume writing, job search skills, and interviewing techniques. They also have a job board and career fairs.
- Financial Aid: The University of South Dakota Financial Aid office helps students with applying for financial aid, understanding financial aid packages, and managing their finances.
- Student Health Services: The University of South Dakota Student Health Services office provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students. They also have a pharmacy and a counselling centre.
- Housing and Residential Life: The University of South Dakota Housing and Residential Life office provides housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and Greek houses. They also offer a variety of programs and activities for residents.
- Student Activities: The University of South Dakota Student Activities office coordinates a variety of student activities, including clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and cultural events.
- Athletics: The University of South Dakota is a member of the Summit League and competes in NCAA Division I. The university offers 17 varsity sports for men and 15 varsity sports for women.
Student life at University of South Dakota
- Student population: The University of South Dakota has a student body of over 14,000 students, including over 10,000 undergraduate students and over 4,000 graduate students.
- Volunteering: There are many opportunities to volunteer your time at the University of South Dakota. The University of South Dakota has a variety of volunteer opportunities, including working with local organizations, tutoring students, and participating in service-learning projects.
- Percentage of international students: 6% of the University of South Dakota students are international students.
- Number of student organizations: The University of South Dakota has over 300 student organizations. These organizations cover a wide range of interests, including academics, athletics, arts, culture, and social justice.
- Intramural sports: The University of South Dakota offers over 30 intramural sports.
- Greek life: The University of South Dakota has over 20 fraternities and sororities.
- Student government: The University of South Dakota has a student government that is made up of students from all over campus. The student government is responsible for representing student interests to the university administration.
On campus accomodation at University of South Dakota
- Traditional residence halls: Traditional residence halls are the most common type of on-campus housing at the University of South Dakota. They offer shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and they are typically located on campus.
- Apartments: Apartments offer more privacy than traditional residence halls, and they typically have their bedrooms and bathrooms. Apartments are located on or near the campus of the University of South Dakota.
- Suite-style apartments: Suite-style apartments offer a combination of traditional residence halls and apartment-style living to students at the University of South Dakota. They typically have shared bedrooms and bathrooms, but they also have a common living area and kitchen. Suite-style apartments are located on or near the campus of the University of South Dakota.
The average cost of on-campus housing at the University of South Dakota is around $7,000 - 8,000 per year.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
1:15
University Faculty Stats
- Number of faculty members: The University of South Dakota has over 1,300 faculty members, making it a large and diverse faculty.
- Faculty diversity: At the University of South Dakota, 25% of faculty members are members of underrepresented minority groups.
- Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of South Dakota has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, which means that there are approximately 17 students for every faculty member.
- Professional development opportunities: The University of South Dakota offers a wide range of professional development opportunities for faculty members, including workshops, conferences, and online courses.
- Research: The University of South Dakota is a research university, and its faculty members are actively engaged in research. University of South Dakota faculty members have published over 10,000 articles in peer-reviewed journals and received over $50 million in research funding.
Career Opportunities
University Endowments Value
328500000
Internship opportunities at University of South Dakota
Internship opportunities:
The University of South Dakota offers a variety of internship opportunities for students. These opportunities are typically unpaid, but they can provide valuable experience and connections. Internships are available in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, and the arts.
- The Career Center: The University of South Dakota Career Center offers a variety of resources to help students find internships, including a job board, a resume builder, and career counselling.
- The Office of International Programs: The Office of International Programs offers internship opportunities for international students. These internships are typically paid, and they can provide students with an opportunity to gain work experience in the United States.
- The Arts and Sciences Internship Program: The Arts and Sciences Internship Program offers internship opportunities for students in the College of Arts and Sciences. These internships are typically unpaid, but they can provide students with valuable experience in their chosen field.
Part-time job opportunities:
The University of South Dakota also offers several part-time job opportunities for students. These jobs are typically paid, and they can provide students with an opportunity to earn money while they are studying. Part-time jobs are available in a variety of departments, including the library, the cafeteria, and the bookstore.
- The Student Employment Office: The Student Employment Office is the primary source for part-time jobs on campus. The office offers a variety of jobs, including clerical, food service, and research positions.
- The Office of Residential Life: The Office of Residential Life offers part-time jobs for resident assistants and resident directors. These jobs are typically paid, and they provide students with the opportunity to live on campus and get involved in student life.
- The University Unions: The University Unions offer part-time jobs for students in a variety of departments, including the bookstore, the dining hall, and the recreation centre. These jobs are typically paid, and they provide students with an opportunity to work in a professional environment.
Placement of University of South Dakota
Job placement:
According to the University of South Dakota Career Center website, the university's six-month post-graduation job placement rate is 83%. This means that 83% of the University of South Dakota graduates have a job within six months of graduating.
Hiring companies:
The top hiring companies for University of South Dakota graduates include:
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- Whirlpool Corporation
- Dow Chemical Company
- Quicken Loans
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Henry Ford Health System
- Plante Moran
- Penske Corporation
Salaries:
The average starting salary for the University of South Dakota graduates is $52,000 per annum.
Popular Courses · 32
MA in Communication
24 months
11,772
tuition / yr
MA in Counseling - School Counseling K-12
24 months
19,620
tuition / yr
MA in Counseling & Psychology in Education in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health
24 months
19,620
tuition / yr
MA in Elementary Education
18 months
13,080
tuition / yr
MA in English -Literary Studies Critical Specialization
18 monthsRank #131
13,080
tuition / yr
MA in English: Literary Studies Creative Writing
18 monthsRank #131
13,080
tuition / yr
MA in History - (Non-Thesis)
24 months
10,791
tuition / yr
MA in Kinesiology and Sport Management: Sport Management
18 months
13,080
tuition / yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the average living expenses for masters at the University of South Dakota?
The average living expenses for masters at the University of South Dakota is USD 24768.
What is the student faculty ratio at the University of South Dakota?
The student faculty ratio at the University of South Dakota is 1:15
How many campuses does University of South Dakota have ?
University of South Dakota has 1 campuses. All of them have amazing residence halls, student centers, civic spaces, cultural spaces, music halls, transportation facilities, etc.
What is the global ranking of University of South Dakota?
The global ranking of University of South Dakota is: 1. US World and News Report: 1001-1200 2. Times Higher Education The World University Rankings: 283
What factors should be considered when choosing the University of South Dakota
When choosing the University of South Dakota for higher education, an international student must consider the following factors: 1. Take a counselling session with Yocket 2. Finalise a budget 3. Research the course of your preference at University of South Dakota 4. Arrange your documents for admission 5. Plan for Scholarships or Loans 6. Check out the country’s working rules for international students 7. Apply for a visa
Does University of South Dakota provide scholarships for international students?
Yes. An international student can apply for scholarships to pursue their education at University of South Dakota by: 1. Looking for country-specific scholarships by contacting the specific scholarship institutions. 2. Applying to or finding out if any subject-specific scholarships are available from the University of South Dakota website/ department. 3. Applying to available research assistantships, teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, or grants.
Is the University of South Dakota a good university?
Yes. Established in 1862, University of South Dakota is a reputed university to pursue higher education for international/Indian students. The perks of studying at University of South Dakota include: 1. Global Recognition 2. Amazing job/ opportunities 3. Research opportunities 4. International exposure 5. Cultural learning 6. Independence
What are the top courses that one can pursue at University of South Dakota?
A few globally recognised courses that one can pursue at University of South Dakota are: 1. Computer Science in University of South Dakota 2. Business Analytics in University of South Dakota 3. Business Administration in University of South Dakota 4. Computer Science in University of South Dakota 5. Accountancy in University of South Dakota 6. Biomedical Engineering in University of South Dakota 7. Basic Biomedical Sciences - (Non-Thesis) in University of South Dakota 8. Chemistry in University of South Dakota 9. Kinesiology and Sport Management: Sport Management in University of South Dakota 10. Sustainability - (Non-Thesis) in University of South Dakota
What is the University of South Dakota GPA requirement?
The GPA requirement for University of South Dakota will vary based on your selected course admission criteria. However, a GPA above 3.5 can help you get admission to most international universities. Check for the official University of South Dakota’s website to know more
Last updated June 10, 2026