This institution prioritizes access. Your primary consideration should be whether outcomes align with your goals.
98.3%
Acceptance Rate
Peer average: 86%
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Open Access (>75%)
What Are My Chances?
A directional estimate — not a prediction
SAT Total Score Distribution
Enrolled students
Peers
40080012001600
1,060
25th Percentile
1,120
Median
1,240
75th Percentile
Peer average SAT: 1,090(+30 vs peers)
ACT Composite Score Distribution
Enrolled students
1122436
19
25th Percentile
22
Median
25
75th Percentile
Important: Test scores are just one factor. Admissions decisions reflect institutional priorities, essays, recommendations, and factors we cannot measure. Use this as directional guidance, not a prediction.
Who Attends — and Succeeds
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Student Demographics
First-Generation Students
Parents without bachelor's degree
20%
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Pell Grant Recipients
Lower-income students (federal aid)
17%
Transfer Students
Alternative pathway to enrollment
18%
These metrics reflect institutional priorities around access and economic diversity, which inform admissions decisions beyond academic qualifications.
Student Success
Schools to Consider
Compare South Dakota State University with similar schools across different dimensions — location, selectivity, outcomes, and affordability.
📍
Nearby Alternatives
5 schools
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions about South Dakota State University Admissions
South Dakota State University is accessible to students with solid academic records. Most admitted students have GPAs of 3.0 or higher. The 98% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants are admitted.
South Dakota State University reports standardized test score data, suggesting tests are considered in admissions. Students who submit SAT scores typically have scores between 1060 and 1240. ACT scores range from 19 to 25. Check South's website for current testing requirements, as policies may change.
Admission to South Dakota State University is considered accessible. With an acceptance rate of 98%, admissions are largely open to all qualified applicants with a high school diploma or GED.
South Dakota State University uses holistic review, considering academics, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
