South Dakota State University

What are the graduation rates for students at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University has an overall graduation rate of 60%, placing it in the top 45% of comparable institutions. The retention rate for first-time students is notably high at 83%, ranking in the top 30%. When broken down by gender, women graduate at a higher rate of 65%, while men graduate at a rate of 54%, both categorized as average but with women slightly outperforming men. The university's four-year graduation rate is 42%, which falls below the midpoint nationally, whereas the six-year graduation rate improves to 59%, reflecting better long-term completion outcomes and placing the institution again in the top 45%. These figures suggest that while many students require more than four years to complete their degrees, the majority eventually earn their qualifications within six years.

What is the earning potential for graduates at South Dakota State University?

Graduates from South Dakota State University experience a broad spectrum of earning potential depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those who majored in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, with median earnings reaching $72,698. Close behind are graduates in Agricultural Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, earning approximately $61,007 and $60,229 respectively.

Degrees in Computer and Information Sciences also offer strong financial prospects, with average earnings around $53,967, as do graduates in the Plant Sciences, who earn about $50,213. Specialist areas like Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science show median earnings near $54,985, while Registered Nursing graduates report earnings around $58,372.

Other engineering-related fields, such as Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Technologies, also provide competitive incomes, with earning averages of $58,268 and $57,551 respectively. Agricultural Mechanization graduates earn approximately $54,155, reflecting the institution's strengths in agriculture-associated programs.

Fields in the social sciences and humanities generally show more modest returns. For example, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn near $38,858, while Economics majors receive around $38,087. Journalism-related fields such as Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication have median earnings of $38,698. Meanwhile, Education degrees report a range of incomes, with Teacher Education in specific subject areas at about $36,969 and specific levels and methods at $35,069.

Other notable earnings include graduates in Animal Sciences at $40,797 and those in Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $39,627. Degrees in Design and Applied Arts, Sociology, and Family and Consumer Economics offer earnings between $35,000 and $37,000, reflecting moderate income potential.

Lower earnings are recorded for graduates in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management ($33,041), Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($33,803), Hospitality Administration/Management ($32,016), Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services ($30,640), and Romance Languages at $28,973. Psychology graduates average earnings of $28,661, while Biology majors earn roughly $27,268.