South Dakota State University Cost & Financial Aid
Affordability Summary
Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at South Dakota State University
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
Tuition
$13K
+
Room
$10K
+
Books
$750
=
Sticker Price
$24,636
$13K+$10K+$750=$24,636
Your Family Income
Sticker
$24,636
−
Your Aid
$6,563
=
Net Price
$18,073
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
South Dakota State University Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
Cost Category
Amount
Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price)
$24,636
Tuition and Fees
$12,809
Room and Board
$10,176
Books and Supplies
$750
Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships)
-$4,795
Average Net Price (What Families Pay)
$19,841
South Dakota State University Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$14,266
$30–48k
$15,248
$48–75k
$18,073
$75–110k
$20,706
$110k+
$21,886
Understanding Your Aid Package
South Dakota State University has a sticker price of $24,636 per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
Sticker price: $24,636/year
Average aid: $4,795 in grants & scholarships
$48–75K families pay: ~$18,073/year
Low-income families: Pay ~$14,266/year
17% of students receive Pell Grants
Financial Aid Profile
💰
17%
Pell Grant Recipients
Lower-income students receiving federal aid
🎓
20%
First-Generation Students
Parents without bachelor's degree
Get personalized cost estimates and assess whether borrowing makes sense.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$23,250
Range (25th–75th)$5,750 – $26,984
Median Parent PLUS Loans$18,000
Debt Manageability
0.37x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.0%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$55,070
Earnings Growth
+11%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Value Added
+$4,465
75th percentile among peers
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$38,252
25th %ile
$78,622
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about South Dakota State University Cost & Financial Aid
South Dakota State University's published tuition is $24,636 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $18,073—a difference of $6,563.
Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $14,266 at South Dakota State University. 17% of students receive Pell Grants.
South Dakota State University offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for South graduates is $23,250, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $246 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $21,886 at South—still $2,750 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
