| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is the largest and oldest public university in South Dakota. It is known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and affordable tuition.
Founded: 1881
Type: Public Research University (Land-Grant)
Location: Brookings, South Dakota, USA
Campus Size: 387 acres
Student Population: ~11,500 students (undergraduate & graduate)
Motto: "You can go anywhere from here!"
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
SDSU offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines.
Popular Programs:
Engineering & Technology – Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Computer Science
Agriculture & Life Sciences – Animal Science, Agribusiness, Precision Agriculture
Business & Economics – Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management
Health & Nursing – Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences
Natural Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science
Liberal Arts & Social Sciences – Political Science, Sociology, Communication Studies
U.S. News & World Report: Ranked among the Top Public Universities in the Midwest
QS World Rankings: Not ranked globally but highly regarded regionally
Best Nursing & Engineering Programs in the Midwest
Top Research Institution – Classified as an R2: Doctoral University (high research activity)
Student Type |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate (In-State) |
~$9,500 |
|
Undergraduate (Out-of-State/International) |
~$12,800 |
|
Graduate (In-State) |
~$8,100 |
|
Graduate (Out-of-State/International) |
~$12,000 |
|
Room & Board (Housing + Meals) |
~$9,000 - $10,500 |
Tuition is affordable compared to many U.S. universities. Scholarships & assistantships are available for international students.
Campus Housing: Residence halls, apartments, and off-campus housing available
Dining: Various meal plans, food courts, Starbucks, and restaurants
Libraries & Research Centers: Hilton M. Briggs Library, state-of-the-art labs
Recreation & Sports: Gym, swimming pool, basketball courts, hiking trails
Student Clubs & Organizations: 200+ clubs including cultural, academic, and professional groups
Athletics: NCAA Division I (Jackrabbits teams) – Football, Basketball, Soccer
Undergraduate Requirements:
Online Application (via SDSU Portal)
High School Transcripts (Minimum GPA: 2.6)
English Proficiency (TOEFL: 71+, IELTS: 6.0+, Duolingo: 100+)
SAT/ACT: Optional for international students
Financial Proof (for visa processing)
Graduate Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
GPA: 2.75+ (varies by program)
TOEFL (79+), IELTS (6.5+), Duolingo (110+)
GRE/GMAT (if required by the program)
Letters of Recommendation & Statement of Purpose
SDSU offers merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students:
Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship: $1,000 - $4,000 per year
International Student Scholarship: $2,000 - $5,000 per year
Graduate Assistantships: Tuition waivers + stipends for research & teaching assistants
Placement Rate: 95% within six months of graduation
Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, John Deere, 3M, Mayo Clinic
Internships & Co-ops: Available in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Healthcare
Career Services: Resume workshops, career fairs, job placement support
SDSU offers over 80 undergraduate majors in various disciplines.
Agribusiness (B.S.)
Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering (B.S.)
Agronomy (B.S.)
Animal Science (B.S.)
Dairy Production (B.S.)
Precision Agriculture (B.S.)
Horticulture & Environmental Horticulture (B.S.)
Civil Engineering (B.S.)
Computer Science (B.S.)
Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
Software Engineering (B.S.)
Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.)
Medical Laboratory Science (B.S.)
Pre-Pharmacy (Doctor of Pharmacy Pathway)
Nursing (BSN)
Human Biology (Pre-Med Track)
Exercise Science (B.S.)
English (B.A.)
Psychology (B.A./B.S.)
Political Science (B.A./B.S.)
Sociology (B.A./B.S.)
Communication Studies (B.A./B.S.)
Accounting (B.B.A.)
Economics (B.S.)
Finance (B.B.A.)
Management (B.B.A.)
Marketing (B.B.A.)
SDSU offers 40+ master’s programs in various disciplines.
M.S. in Civil Engineering
M.S. in Computer Science
M.S. in Electrical Engineering
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
M.S. in Nursing (MSN)
M.S. in Biological Sciences
M.S. in Biochemistry
M.S. in Human Biology
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
M.S. in Economics
M.S. in Data Science
M.S. in Animal Science
M.S. in Plant Science
M.S. in Precision Agriculture
M.S. in Psychology
M.Ed. in Educational Administration
M.S. in Sociology
SDSU offers 20+ doctoral and professional degree programs, including:
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
Ph.D. in Computational Science & Statistics
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
Ph.D. in Nursing
Ph.D. in Plant Science
Ph.D. in Animal Science
Ph.D. in Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering
Ph.D. in Economics
SDSU offers flexible online programs for students who want to study remotely.
Online MBA
Online M.S. in Data Science
Online RN-to-BSN (Nursing)
Online M.Ed. in Educational Administration
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (International Students) |
|---|---|---|
|
Accounting (B.B.A.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Agribusiness (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Animal Science (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Biochemistry (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Biological Sciences (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Business Economics (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Civil Engineering (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Computer Science (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Construction Management (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Data Science (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Dairy Production (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Electrical Engineering (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Environmental Science (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Exercise Science (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Finance (B.B.A.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Food Science (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Health Education & Promotion (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Human Biology (B.S.) (Pre-Med Track) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Journalism & Media Communication (B.A./B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Management (B.B.A.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Marketing (B.B.A.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Mathematics (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Microbiology (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Nursing (B.S.N.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Physics (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Political Science (B.A./B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Precision Agriculture (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Psychology (B.A./B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Public Health (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Sociology (B.A./B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Software Engineering (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
|
Sport & Recreation Management (B.S.) |
4 Years |
$12,800 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (International Students) |
|---|---|---|
|
M.S. in Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Animal Science |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Biochemistry |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Biological Sciences |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Civil Engineering |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Computer Science |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Data Science |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Economics |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Electrical Engineering |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Environmental Engineering |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Human Biology |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Industrial Management |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Mathematics & Statistics |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Nursing (MSN) |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Physics |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Plant Science |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Precision Agriculture |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Psychology |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
M.S. in Sociology |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
1.5 - 2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Master of Education (M.Ed.) |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) |
2 Years |
$12,000 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (International Students) |
|---|---|---|
|
Ph.D. in Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Animal Science |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Biochemistry |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Computational Science & Statistics |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Dairy Science |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Geospatial Science & Engineering |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Nursing |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Physics |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Plant Science |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Precision Agriculture |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Sociology |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Ph.D. in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences |
4-5 Years |
$12,000 |
|
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
3-4 Years |
$12,000 |
Affordable Tuition & Living Costs – One of the most budget-friendly public universities in the U.S.
Diverse Academic Programs – Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in Business, Engineering, Agriculture, Health Sciences, and more.
Scholarships & Assistantships – Financial aid available for international students.
STEM & Research Opportunities – SDSU is an R2: High Research Activity university.
Safe & Friendly Campus – Located in Brookings, South Dakota, ranked among the safest college towns in the U.S.
Career & Internship Support – Strong ties with top U.S. employers like Amazon, 3M, John Deere, Mayo Clinic, and Google.
Eligibility Criteria:
Completed online application (Apply via SDSU Portal: N/A
High school diploma (equivalent to U.S. standards)
Minimum GPA: 2.6 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
English proficiency test scores:
TOEFL (iBT): 71+
IELTS: 6.0+
Duolingo: 100+
SAT/ACT: Optional but recommended for scholarships
Financial proof for visa purposes
Eligibility Criteria:
Completed online application
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum GPA: 2.75 - 3.2 (varies by program)
English proficiency test scores:
TOEFL (iBT): 79+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 110+
GRE/GMAT (if required by the program, often waived)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Resume/CV
2-3 Letters of Recommendation
Step 1: Choose a Program
SDSU offers 80+ undergraduate programs in fields like Business, Engineering, Agriculture, Health Sciences, and more.
Step 2: Submit an Online Application
Apply through the SDSU Application Portal: Apply Here
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Application Requirements:
Completed Online Application Form
High School Transcripts (translated into English if necessary)
Minimum GPA: 2.6 on a 4.0 scale
English Proficiency Test Scores (for international students):
TOEFL (iBT): 71+
IELTS: 6.0+
Duolingo: 100+
SAT/ACT Scores: Optional but recommended for scholarships
Personal Statement (if required for certain programs)
Financial Proof (for visa processing - international students only)
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Application Fee: $20 (Non-refundable)
Step 5: Receive Admission Decision
The admission decision is typically sent within 2-4 weeks.
Accepted students receive an official admission letter and I-20 form (for international students).
Step 6: Confirm Enrollment & Apply for Visa
Pay the enrollment deposit (if applicable).
Apply for on-campus housing and meal plans.
International students apply for an F-1 student visa after receiving the I-20 form.
Step 1: Choose a Graduate Program
SDSU offers 40+ master’s and 20+ doctoral programs in Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, and more.
Step 2: Submit an Online Application
Apply through the SDSU Graduate Admission Portal: Apply Here
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Application Requirements:
Completed Online Application Form
Bachelor’s Degree Transcripts (evaluated by WES, ECE, or similar services if from outside the U.S.)
Minimum GPA: 2.75 - 3.2 (varies by program)
English Proficiency Test Scores (for international students):
TOEFL (iBT): 79+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 110+
GRE/GMAT Scores (if required by the program, often waived)
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose (500-1000 words)
2-3 Letters of Recommendation
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Application Fee: $35 (Non-refundable)
Step 5: Admission Decision & Assistantship Applications
Graduate admission decisions usually take 4-6 weeks.
If interested, apply for graduate assistantships for tuition waivers and stipends.
Step 6: Accept Admission & Apply for Visa
Confirm enrollment and apply for an F-1 student visa (for international students) after receiving the I-20 form.
The doctoral admission process follows the graduate admission steps with some additional requirements:
Additional Requirements for PhD Applicants:
Research Proposal (if required)
Professional Experience (for certain doctoral programs like DNP)
Faculty Interview (if applicable)
Program Level |
Fall Intake (August) |
Spring Intake (January) |
Summer Intake (May/June) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
Available (Main Intake) |
Available (Limited Programs) |
Not Available |
|
Graduate (Master’s & PhD) |
Available |
Available |
Available (Limited Programs) |
Key Notes:
Fall (August) is the primary intake with maximum course availability and scholarships.
Spring (January) has fewer program options, but most graduate programs are available.
Summer (May/June) is only available for select graduate programs.
Academic Requirements:
High school diploma (equivalent to a U.S. high school education).
Minimum GPA: 2.6 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
English Language Requirements (For International Students):
TOEFL (iBT): 71+
IELTS: 6.0+
Duolingo English Test: 100+
SAT/ACT: Optional but recommended for scholarships
Other Requirements:
Personal Statement/Essay (if required for certain programs).
Letter of Recommendation (not always required, but recommended).
Financial Proof (for visa processing - international students only).
Academic Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum GPA: 2.75 - 3.2 (varies by program).
English Language Requirements (For International Students):
TOEFL (iBT): 79+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo English Test: 110+
Other Requirements:
GRE/GMAT (if required by the program, often waived).
Resume/CV.
Statement of Purpose (500-1000 words).
2-3 Letters of Recommendation.
Programs like MBA, Nursing, and Engineering may have additional requirements.
Academic Requirements:
A master’s degree in a related field.
Minimum GPA: 3.0 - 3.5 (varies by program).
English Language Requirements:
TOEFL (iBT): 90+
IELTS: 7.0+
Duolingo English Test: 115+
Other Requirements:
Research Proposal (for PhD programs).
Professional Experience (for some doctoral programs like DNP).
GRE (optional or required for some research-based programs).
3 Letters of Recommendation.
Interview with faculty (if required).
Ranking Source |
Ranking |
Category |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not Ranked |
Global Universities |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
#288 - #389 |
National Universities |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
#153 |
Top Public Schools in the U.S. |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
#132 |
Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
#78 |
Best Nursing Schools |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
601-800 |
U.S. College Rankings |
|
Forbes |
Top 500 |
America’s Top Colleges |
|
Niche |
B+ Rating |
Academics & Student Life |
|
Washington Monthly |
Top 200 |
Best Value Universities |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount (USD per year) |
Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship |
GPA 3.0+ |
$1,000 - $4,000 |
Yes (Up to 4 years) |
|
International Student Scholarship |
GPA 3.0+ |
$2,000 - $5,000 |
Yes (Up to 4 years) |
|
Presidential Scholarship |
GPA 3.8+, Leadership & ACT/SAT scores |
Full Tuition |
Yes (Up to 4 years) |
|
Excellence Scholarship |
High academic achievement |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
Yes |
|
Departmental Scholarships |
Based on major (Engineering, Business, Nursing, etc.) |
N/A |
Yes |
Most undergraduate scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission.
Scholarship/Assistantship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount (USD per year) |
Type |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Graduate Assistantships (GA/TA/RA) |
Strong academic record & faculty selection |
Partial/Full Tuition + Stipend |
Work-Based (Teaching/Research) |
|
Departmental Fellowships |
High academic performance |
N/A |
Merit-Based |
|
International Graduate Scholarship |
GPA 3.2+ |
$2,000 - $4,000 |
Merit-Based |
|
STEM & Research Fellowships |
PhD & research-based Master’s students |
N/A |
Research-Based |
Graduate assistantships provide tuition waivers + stipends in exchange for research or teaching work.
Facility |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Campus Size |
387 acres, located in Brookings, South Dakota |
|
Library |
Hilton M. Briggs Library – Over 700,000 books, digital resources |
|
Student Center |
Student Union – Dining, event spaces, bookstore, study lounges |
|
Sports & Recreation |
Wellness Center (gym, indoor track, swimming pool, climbing wall) |
|
Dining Options |
Multiple dining halls, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Panda Express |
|
Health Services |
On-campus Student Health Clinic & Counseling Services |
|
Technology & Wi-Fi |
High-speed internet, computer labs, 3D printing facilities |
|
Public Transport |
Free campus shuttle services & local bus system |
SDSU offers various on-campus housing options for undergraduate and graduate students.
Residence Hall Name |
Room Type |
Cost per Year (USD) |
Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Binnewies Hall |
Double Room |
$6,130 |
Shared bathrooms, study lounges |
|
Young Hall |
Double Room |
$6,130 |
Social spaces, community-style bathrooms |
|
Mathews Hall |
Suite-Style |
$7,650 |
Private bathrooms, shared living spaces |
|
Caldwell Hall |
Apartment-Style |
$8,800 |
Kitchen, living area, private bedrooms |
|
Schultz Hall (Honors Housing) |
Single & Double |
$7,850 |
Study lounges, high-tech facilities |
|
Jackrabbit Village |
Suite-Style |
$7,650 |
Semi-private rooms, shared lounge |
|
Hansen Hall |
2-4 Bedroom Apartments |
$9,200 |
Full kitchen, laundry, independent living |
Meal plans are required for some housing options and cost $4,150 - $5,200 per year.
SDSU has a welcoming and safe campus in Brookings, South Dakota, a city known for its friendly environment and affordable living. The university fosters a strong community spirit, where students from over 80 countries come together to learn, collaborate, and engage in extracurricular activities.
With over 200+ student organizations, SDSU offers something for everyone.
Academic & Professional Clubs: Engineering Society, Business Club, Pre-Med Club
Cultural & International Groups: International Relations Club, African Student Association, Latino Student Organization
Religious & Service Organizations: Campus Ministry, Volunteer Networks
Arts & Media: Jackrabbit Newspaper, Theatre Club, Photography Club
Recreational & Special Interest Groups: Outdoor Adventure Club, Esports Club, Chess Club
Joining these organizations helps students build friendships, develop leadership skills, and expand their networks.
SDSU is home to the Jackrabbits, competing in NCAA Division I sports. The university has top-tier athletic programs, especially in basketball, football, and wrestling.
Popular Sports: Basketball, Football, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball
Club & Intramural Sports: Badminton, Ultimate Frisbee, Rugby, Table Tennis
Wellness & Recreation Center: Gym, swimming pool, rock climbing wall, indoor track
Whether you are an athlete or a fitness enthusiast, SDSU provides excellent facilities for students to stay active.
SDSU hosts year-round events that keep students engaged and entertained.
Hobo Day (Homecoming Week): The biggest annual tradition, featuring parades, music, and campus festivities.
Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo: A popular event showcasing rodeo culture and student competitors.
International Night: Cultural performances, food, and activities celebrating global diversity.
Career & Internship Fairs: Opportunities to network with recruiters from top U.S. companies.
Live Music & Movie Nights: Weekly entertainment at the Student Union and campus amphitheater.
These events create fun, social, and networking opportunities for students.
SDSU offers modern and comfortable housing options for students.
On-Campus Housing: Residence halls, apartments, and suite-style living.
Living-Learning Communities (LLCs): Students with similar interests (STEM, Business, International) live together.
Off-Campus Housing: Affordable apartments are available near campus with shuttle services.
Campus housing provides 24/7 security, free Wi-Fi, study lounges, and social spaces to enhance student life.
SDSU ensures that students receive the academic, career, and personal support they need.
Career Development Center: Resume workshops, mock interviews, job placement assistance.
Counseling & Health Services: Mental health support, free health checkups, and wellness programs.
International Student Services: Visa assistance, orientation programs, and cultural adjustment support.
Tutoring & Academic Support: Free tutoring, writing center, and faculty mentoring programs.
These resources help students succeed both academically and professionally.
SDSU provides on-campus and off-campus work opportunities for students.
On-Campus Jobs: Work up to 20 hours per week in libraries, dining halls, and administrative offices.
Internships & Co-ops: SDSU partners with Amazon, 3M, John Deere, and Mayo Clinic for student internships.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): International students can work in the U.S. for 12-36 months after graduation.
The university has a 95% placement rate, ensuring students secure jobs and internships in top industries.
Brookings, South Dakota, is a safe, student-friendly city with affordable living costs. Students can explore:
Downtown Brookings: Restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and entertainment.
Dakota Nature Park: Outdoor trails, fishing, kayaking, and camping.
Larson Ice Center: Ice skating and hockey games.
Sioux Falls (45 minutes away): The largest city in South Dakota, offering malls, concerts, and nightlife.
Students enjoy a balance of nature, city life, and cultural experiences while studying at SDSU.
Overall Placement Rate: 95% (within six months of graduation)
Internship Participation: 75% of students complete at least one internship
Average Starting Salary: $50,000 - $70,000 (varies by major)
Top Hiring Sectors: Agriculture, Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Technology
Graduates from SDSU are employed by leading global companies, research centers, and government organizations, including:
Technology & Engineering: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, 3M, Intel, IBM
Finance & Business: Deloitte, Wells Fargo, Citibank, Goldman Sachs
Healthcare & Pharmacy: Mayo Clinic, Avera Health, Sanford Health
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences: John Deere, Cargill, DuPont, USDA
Education & Research: U.S. Government, NASA, Brookings Research Institute
SDSU’s strong industry connections and employer partnerships help students secure high-paying jobs.
Paid & Unpaid Internships: Available in business, engineering, healthcare, and agriculture.
Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Programs: Allow students to gain real-world work experience while studying.
Local & National Internships: SDSU collaborates with regional companies and Fortune 500 firms.
The Career Development Office (CDO) provides:
Resume & Cover Letter Assistance – Professional guidance for job applications
Career Fairs & Networking Events – Connect with top employers & alumni
Mock Interviews & Job Prep – Training for job interviews and salary negotiations
Job Placement Support – Assistance in finding full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities
SDSU’s career coaches and advisors work closely with students to prepare them for the job market.
On-Campus Jobs: Allowed up to 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours during breaks.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Paid internships while studying.
Optional Practical Training (OPT):
12 months of work authorization after graduation (STEM students get an additional 24-month extension).
H-1B Visa Sponsorship: Many SDSU graduates work in STEM, Business, and Healthcare fields with employer-sponsored visas.
Field of Study |
Placement Rate |
Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Agriculture & Animal Science |
97% |
$55,000 – $75,000 |
|
Business & Finance |
95% |
$55,000 – $70,000 |
|
Computer Science & IT |
96% |
$65,000 – $90,000 |
|
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) |
96% |
$65,000 – $85,000 |
|
Healthcare & Nursing |
99% |
$60,000 – $85,000 |
|
Marketing & Communications |
94% |
$50,000 – $65,000 |
|
Education & Social Work |
92% |
$45,000 – $55,000 |
Step 1: Register with SDSU’s Handshake Career Platform
Step 2: Build a professional resume & LinkedIn profile
Step 3: Attend career fairs & networking events
Step 4: Apply for internships & jobs via SDSU’s career services
Step 5: Prepare for interviews with career coaches & mock sessions
Engineering Graduate: Hired by John Deere as a Mechanical Engineer.
Computer Science Student: Working at Google as a Software Developer.
Business Major: Secured a Financial Analyst role at Wells Fargo.
Nursing Graduate: Employed at Mayo Clinic as a Registered Nurse.
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Type: Moderately Selective
South Dakota State University has a high acceptance rate of 87%, meaning that most students who meet the admission requirements have a strong chance of getting accepted. The university focuses on academic potential, extracurricular achievements, and diversity when reviewing applications.
Academic Performance:
Recommended GPA: 2.6 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for undergraduate applicants.
Graduate programs typically require a GPA of 2.75 - 3.2+, depending on the field of study.
Standardized Test Scores (Optional for Undergraduate Applicants):
SAT: 1000 - 1250 (middle 50% of admitted students)
ACT: 20 - 26
Graduate Program Selectivity:
Some graduate programs (e.g., Nursing, Engineering, Business) have lower acceptance rates due to limited spots and competitive admission criteria.
International Students:
Must meet English proficiency requirements (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo).
Additional requirements like financial proof for visa processing.
Address:
South Dakota State University (SDSU)
Brookings, South Dakota 57007,
United States
