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South Dakota State University

Box 2201, Brookings, SD 57007, USA

South Dakota State University award
South Dakota State University award
US ranking
position: 205
Tuition & fees per year: $9,554
Acceptance rate: 99.00%
Median alumni salary: $51,160
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1100 SAT, 22 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What does South Dakota State University offer in terms of athletics?

South Dakota State University supports a comprehensive athletics program, providing student-athletes with opportunities to compete at the NCAA Division I level. The university fields teams in a variety of sports including football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, wrestling, and more. Athletics plays a significant role in campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

The university's football program competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, known for its competitive teams. The basketball teams participate in the Summit League, striving for success in both men's and women's divisions. SDSU's volleyball and wrestling teams also compete in well-regarded conferences, offering student-athletes a chance to excel in their respective disciplines.

Facilities supporting the athletics programs include modern stadiums, training centers, and practice fields designed to equip athletes with resources needed for peak performance. The university is committed to balancing athletics and academics, ensuring student-athletes have access to tutoring, academic advising, and wellness programs.

Beyond varsity sports, South Dakota State encourages participation in intramural and club sports, enhancing opportunities for the broader student body to engage in physical activity and competitive play. This multi-tiered approach to athletics underscores the university's dedication to fostering holistic development through sports.

What student groups and Associations are available at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University offers a diverse student body with a total enrollment comprising approximately 3,750 men and 4,383 women. While specific details regarding individual student groups and associations are not available, the university is known for supporting a wide range of extracurricular activities that accommodate varied interests and encourage student engagement.

Who studies at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University hosts a sizable and diverse student body with a total enrollment of approximately 2,662 new students in a recent period, including 2,274 freshmen and 388 transfer students. The number of freshmen is notably high when compared nationally, placing the university in the top 25% for this category, while transfer student numbers sit near the median range.

The age distribution of students spans a broad range. Among undergraduates, most fall between 18 and 21 years old, with 3,924 aged 18-19 and 3,468 aged 20-21. Students aged 22-24 number 1,211, and there are also smaller groups in older age brackets up to those over 65. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant populations aged 22-24 (465), 25-29 (413), and 30-34 (175), reflecting a varied academic community that includes both traditional and non-traditional students.

Racial and ethnic diversity at South Dakota State University shows a majority of white students, totaling 7,753, which is considered very high compared to other universities nationwide. Hispanic students number 275, while African American students total 133, both falling in average to below-average proportions nationally. Students identifying as Native American number 67, which is above average relative to many institutions, and Asian students count 121. Smaller groups include those of Pacific Islander descent (11) and students identifying with two or more races (192). Additionally, there are 268 students whose racial background is unknown or not reported.

How does student life look like at South Dakota State University?

Student life at South Dakota State University offers a diverse range of activities and resources designed to enrich the campus experience. The university supports several cultural and artistic outlets, including a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a band, and a chorus, providing numerous opportunities for students to engage in creative pursuits and campus media.

Health and wellness are also priorities, with services such as a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office available to support the student body. These facilities help ensure that students have access to essential care and guidance during their time at the university.

The campus itself spans 401 acres, offering ample space for both academic and extracurricular activities. The student population is substantial, with over 12,000 enrolled students and a notably high number of degree-seeking full-time students, reflecting a vibrant and engaged community. Additionally, international representation is broad, with students from 56 countries, highlighting the university's global reach and diversity.

Athletically, South Dakota State University participates in NCAA sports, which may appeal to students interested in competitive athletics or school spirit events. Overall, the university presents a supportive and varied environment for students seeking a balanced college experience.

What libraries are available to students at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University offers students access to the Hilton M. Briggs Library as its main library facility. In addition to this central resource, there is one other library on campus, placing the university within the top 50% nationally for the number of libraries available to students.

The university provides physical library facilities alongside digital access, ensuring a broad range of resources are available to support student research and study needs. Facilities include study rooms to facilitate individual or group work, supported by trained library staff and established hours of operation that help maintain consistent access during the academic week.

While the university does not provide all-day access to library spaces, students benefit from access to shared collections and digital materials, fostering an environment conducive to both in-person and remote scholarship.

South Dakota State University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

12065

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

2373

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

Data not available

Veterans affair office

Yes

South Dakota State University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Hilton M. Briggs Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

South Dakota State University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

South Dakota State University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

South Dakota State University Location & Map