Research.com
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology logo

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

501 East Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701-3995, USA

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology award
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology award
US ranking
position: 958
Tuition & fees per year: N/A
Acceptance rate: 85.00%
Median alumni salary: $71,587
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1255 SAT, 27 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What is the accreditation of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that the institution meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. Additionally, several specific engineering programs at the school have received accreditation from ABET, an organization that evaluates technical and engineering programs to maintain rigorous academic criteria. Prospective students can be assured that the school's credentials align with recognized benchmarks for academic excellence and professional readiness in science and engineering fields.

What are the admission requirements at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

Admission to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or an equivalent high school diploma. Submission of a full secondary school record is mandatory, while a recommended secondary school rank, recommendations, and demonstration of relevant competencies may enhance an application but are not compulsory.

Prospective students must provide valid TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency. Other standardized test scores are recommended but not strictly required. The institution does not operate an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit or college credit for current applicants. However, it does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits.

Applicants are expected to have access to a computer, with the option to lease one if necessary, reflecting the university's emphasis on technological readiness.

The acceptance rate is relatively high at 85%, placing the university in the top 30% nationally for selectivity. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1255, ranking in the top 25%, with a strong performance in math (640) and average writing scores (615). The mean ACT score is 27, within the top 30% percentile range. These academic indicators suggest a competitive applicant pool despite the institution's higher acceptance rate.

What are the application fees and waivers at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their enrollment materials. This fee is a standard part of the admissions process and is intended to cover the administrative costs associated with reviewing each application. However, the university also offers fee waivers under certain circumstances to help reduce financial barriers for applicants.

Applicants who qualify for fee waivers generally include those who demonstrate financial need or participate in specific programs aimed at increasing accessibility to higher education. The process to request a waiver typically involves submitting documentation or a formal request during the application stage. Detailed criteria and eligibility information for fee waivers are made available by the institution to ensure that eligible students can take advantage of this opportunity.

By providing application fee waivers, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology endeavors to support a diverse applicant pool and foster access for students who might otherwise be deterred by upfront costs. This approach aligns with broader efforts within the university to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity in higher education admissions.

What types of ROTC programs are available at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology hosts a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) unit on its campus. This presence allows students interested in military training and leadership development to participate in ROTC activities directly at the institution. However, specific branches or detailed program offerings within the ROTC framework at the university are not publicly detailed in the available information.

What are the requirements for transfer students at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology considers transfer applications for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Prospective transfer students should be aware that the admission process is moderately difficult, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity.

The institution accepts transfer credits, including those earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program. This policy enables students to apply previously earned credits toward their degree program, facilitating a smoother transition.

What types of study abroad programs are available at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the academic experience of its students. The programs primarily focus on integrating global perspectives with the university's strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Students can participate in short-term faculty-led trips, which combine coursework with international travel, allowing for immersive learning experiences in specific fields of study. Additionally, the university facilitates semester- or year-long exchanges and study opportunities at partner institutions worldwide, enabling students to earn academic credit while gaining cross-cultural exposure.

These programs are structured to complement the rigorous curriculum, ensuring participants continue progressing toward their degrees without delay. Tour options frequently include visits to industrial sites, research centers, and culturally significant locations that align with students' academic interests.

Support services are in place to assist students in preparation for travel abroad, covering areas such as visa acquisition, health and safety information, and cultural orientation. The university aims to provide experiences that broaden professional networks and global awareness, key attributes for careers in engineering and technology sectors.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Admissions Factors

Avg. SAT score 1255
SAT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students
Avg. ACT score 27
ACT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students.
Acceptance rate 85%

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Admissions

Applicants Total: 1,539
Admission Total: 1,312
Enrolled Total: 496
Women
Men

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1255

Median composite ACT score

27

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

78%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

26%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

Yes

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

Yes

Secondary school GPA

Data not available

Secondary school rank

Recommended

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Data not available

Recommendations

Recommended

Formal demonstration of competencies

Recommended

Admission test scores

Data not available

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

No

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit on campus

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

No

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Transfer Acceptance Rate

Entrance difficulty for transfer students

Moderate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring, Summer