About South Dakota State University
Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University first began as an agricultural school around the time that South Dakota gained statehood. By the 1920s, the school offered programs in five divisions: Agriculture, Engineering, General Science, Home Economics, and Pharmacy. By the mid-nineteenth century, a nursing program was introduced, followed by graduate programs. South Dakota State College became South Dakota State University in 1964 and the school continued to expand its academic offerings. South Dakota State currently implements a five-year strategic plan, Impact 2018: A Strategic Vision, that “will enhance the future of South Dakota citizens while supporting positive change and meeting the challenges of a global, complex, and interconnected society.”
South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive higher education institution. As South Dakota’s Morrill Act land-grant university, SDSU offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs, from certificates to doctoral degrees. The university also offers courses on various off-campus sites as well as undergraduate and graduate programs online through the Office of Continuing and Distance Education. These online degrees offer a flexible, high-quality educational opportunity that is designed to meet student needs. University professors teaching SDState online degrees actively engage in the digital classroom with courses that are designed with the same attention to quality as those found on campus.
Read More ↓ Show Less ↑
Accreditation & Licensing
South Dakota State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
1,678Fully Online Graduate Students:
26%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$23,250Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
66%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$6,191Credit for Military Training:
YesSouth Dakota State University helps many students start each term on solid ground. Registration and class setup are usually smooth, which saves time and lowers stress. Campus jobs often fit class hours, so students can keep earning money while staying on track in their courses.
For many students, that steady routine makes it easier to stay enrolled from term to term. Academic progress feels steady when schedules line up well. The bigger strain is often housing and dining, where room assignments can feel uneven and add stress that pulls focus from school.
At South Dakota State University, support is easy to see from day one. Staff are very helpful during onboarding. Registration and class setup usually run smoothly. When questions come up, replies are quick, so small problems do not turn into delays.
That support continues in class. Professors are engaged and willing to help. Students can get guidance from both staff and faculty without being sent from office to office. Overall, the experience feels clear, steady, and dependable.
Online learners at South Dakota State University get a smooth start. Registration and class setup are really smooth. That helps your schedule early. It also lowers first-term stress.
Support is quick when questions come up. Staff are helpful during onboarding. Professors go above and beyond to help. That gives online classes a steadier pace. The school’s clearest online fit is people support and clear communication.
Classes at South Dakota State start on solid footing. Registration and class setup are smooth, so students can focus on learning early.
Professors are a clear strength in the classroom. Students say instructors go above and beyond and stay easy to reach.
The class experience feels social and connected. Many students build friendships through classes and everyday learning.
South Dakota State University gives many students a strong start. Registration and class setup are clear and easy to follow. Staff help new students get settled and reply quickly. Professors are supportive and often put in extra effort.
Student life is active and friendly. It is easy to meet people in classes and residence halls. Clubs and events are simple to find and join, which helps students feel connected.
Housing and food are the main weak spots. Dining options can feel limited, and meal quality gets mixed reactions. Some residence halls feel older, and room assignments can be frustrating. Even with those issues, the people and support are a real strength.
South Dakota State University gives many students a strong start. Registration and class setup are clear and easy to follow. Staff help new students get settled and reply quickly. Professors are supportive and often put in extra effort.
Student life is active and friendly. It is easy to meet people in classes and residence halls. Clubs and events are simple to find and join, which helps students feel connected.
Housing and food are the main weak spots. Dining options can feel limited, and meal quality gets mixed reactions. Some residence halls feel older, and room assignments can be frustrating. Even with those issues, the people and support are a real strength.
Online Programs offered by South Dakota State University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Engineering
Healthcare
Math & Science
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota State University
Is South Dakota State University accredited?
Yes. South Dakota State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does South Dakota State University offer?
South Dakota State University offers 41 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does South Dakota State University offer?
South Dakota State University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's levels.
How should students contact admissions at South Dakota State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is South Dakota State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, South Dakota State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at South Dakota State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask South Dakota State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most South Dakota State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is South Dakota State University military friendly?
South Dakota State University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from South Dakota State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for South Dakota State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Official High School Transcript/GED Score, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does South Dakota State University accept life experience credit?
South Dakota State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are South Dakota State University programs fully online or mixed?
South Dakota State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does South Dakota State University offer?
South Dakota State University has online program options in areas such as Math & Science, Nursing, Art & Liberal Arts, and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any South Dakota State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS); Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
Are any admission tests required for South Dakota State University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at South Dakota State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any South Dakota State University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at South Dakota State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For South Dakota State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare South Dakota State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
South Dakota State University is featured in 20 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
South Dakota State University is located in South Dakota
South Dakota at a Glance:
Top Majors in South Dakota:
Top Incentives in South Dakota:
- South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship: Up to $6,500 total
Top Career Pathways in South Dakota:
- Entry Level: Farm Manager ($45,000)
- Mid Level: Agricultural Director ($75,000)
- Senior Level: Operations Executive ($120,000+)
- Required Education: BS Agricultural Business
- Certifications: CCA, CPAg