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South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota, United States

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University Grade B Study in United States →
Official site ↗
World rank #196
Tuition from ₹1.98 L per year, 58 courses
Courses 17
Acceptance rate N/A
Founded 1881
Students 12400

About South Dakota State University

We are a place where world-class academics open big-time doors, and where you’re a part of the family from your very first day. You’ll be challenged here. You’ll be supported here. And you’ll go farther once you graduate from here. It’s time to discover where you’re going and who you will become.

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive higher education institution.

Passage of the 1862 Morrill Act reflected a growing demand for agricultural and technical education in the United States.

Campus landmarks, homecoming celebrations and student activities are cornerstones to the many traditions at SDSU.

All the traditions that make SDSU what it is today weren’t on anybody’s minds when the school was founded before South Dakota’s statehood in 1889.

Brookings is located off of Interstate 29, approximately 55 miles north of Sioux Falls. With a population of just over 22,000, Brookings is the fourth largest city in South Dakota.

It is home to several large companies, including Daktronics, Bel Brands, Larson Manufacturing, 3M and Twin City Fan. The community offers a variety of attractions and entertainment. The Children's Museum of South Dakota provides a year-round interactive playground for kids to learn, while the Dakota Nature Park is home to several recreational activities throughout the year. Brookings is filled with plenty of restaurants and gathering places to bring friends together, including numerous museums and galleries.

Courses and fees

Tuition as published by the source, converted to rupees. Per year unless the course page says otherwise.

Bachelor's (33)

CourseDurationTuition
Architecture M.Arch ₹5.5 L
Associate of Science in Engineering Technology 2 years ₹10.43 L
B.A in Journalism ₹1.98 L
B.A. in Economics 4 years ₹10.79 L
B.F.A. in Architecture 4 years ₹11.51 L
B.F.A. in Interior Design 4 years ₹10.79 L
B.S. in Biochemistry 4 years ₹11.51 L
B.S. in Biotechnology 4 years ₹10.79 L
B.S. in Construction Management 4 years ₹10.43 L
B.S. in Data Science 4 years ₹11.15 L
B.S. in Entrepreneurial Studies 4 years ₹10.79 L
B.S. in Exercise Science 4 years ₹10.79 L
B.S. in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management 4 years ₹11.1 L
B.S. in Microbiology 4 years ₹11.1 L
B.S. in Physics 4 years ₹11.51 L
BA/BS Business Economics 4 years ₹11.1 L
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism 4 years ₹10.79 L
BS in Advertising 4 years ₹10.79 L
BS in Biology 4 years ₹11.1 L
BS in Computer Science 4 years ₹14.05 L
BSN Nursing 4 years ₹11.51 L
Chemistry (B.S.) 4 years ₹12.25 L
Civil Engineering (B.S) ₹2.15 L
Civil Engineering (B.S.) 4 years ₹11.69 L
Computer Science (B.S) ₹2.36 L
Economics (B.S) (Business Economics Specialization) ₹2.15 L
Electrical Engineering (B.S) ₹2.15 L
Electrical Engineering (B.S.) 4 years ₹11.69 L
Graphic Design (B.F.A.) 4 years ₹12.25 L
Masters in Data Science ₹13.8 L
Mathematics (B.S.) 4 years ₹12.25 L
Mechanical Engineering (B.S) ₹2.15 L
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.) 4 years ₹11.69 L

Master's (25)

CourseDurationTuition
(M.Arch.) Architecture 2 years ₹26.36 L
Biological Sciences (M.S.) 18 months - 24 months ₹10.72 L
Biological Sciences M.S ₹4.2 L
Chemistry (M.S.) 18 months - 24 months ₹10.72 L
Chemistry M.S ₹3.94 L
Civil Engineering M.S ₹4.59 L
Computer Science M.S ₹4.72 L
Electrical Engineering M.S ₹4.59 L
M.Eng. in Engineering 18 months - 24 months ₹10.63 L
M.S. in Biological Sciences 18 months - 24 months ₹11.26 L
M.S. in Data Science 1 year ₹18.76 L
M.S. in Human Biology 18 months - 24 months ₹11.26 L
M.S. in Operations Management 18 months - 24 months ₹12.51 L
M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences 18 months - 24 months ₹16.98 L
M.S. in Plant Science 18 months - 24 months ₹11.26 L
M.S. in Sport and Recreation Administration 18 months - 24 months ₹12.51 L
M.S. in Statistics 18 months - 24 months ₹12.51 L
M.S. Nursing in Nurse Administrator Specialization (Online) 18 months - 24 months ₹12.51 L
Mathematics (M.S.) 18 months - 24 months ₹12.51 L
MS in Civil Engineering 18 months - 24 months ₹9.65 L
MS in Computer Science 18 months - 24 months ₹9.65 L
MS in Data Science 1 year ₹19.3 L
MS in Economics 18 months - 24 months ₹9.65 L
MS in Electrical Engineering 18 months - 24 months ₹9.65 L
MS in Mechanical Engineering 18 months - 24 months ₹9.65 L

At a glance

Type
Public
Living expenses
UG USD 6,217 / PG USD 10,880
Course duration
1 year - 18 months
Campuses
1
Campus size
322

Admission requirements

Documents

  • SOPNeeded for few courses
  • LORNeeded for few courses
  • EssaysNot required
  • CVNeeded for few courses
  • Additional documentsRequired

Application fees

  • USD 20 - 93

Type of deadline

  • Depends on course

Intake Season & Deadlines

  • Fall15ᵗʰ Apr 2023 - 15ᵗʰ Apr 2025
  • Spring15ᵗʰ Oct 2023 - 1ˢᵗ Nov 2024
  • Summer14ᵗʰ Jun 2024

Placements and recruiters

Internships: Available for some courses.

3M logo 3M
CITI Bank logo CITI Bank
IBM logo IBM
General Electric logo General Electric
Intel logo Intel
Microsoft logo Microsoft
Motorola logo Motorola

Careers service ↗

Campuses

South Dakota State University Campus Main

1451 Stadium Rd, Brookings, SD 57007, USA

Campus page ↗

Scholarships at South Dakota State University

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad merit

Amount: ₹10 L · Deadline: 2026-04-30

Unimoni Student Stars 2023 merit

5 awards

Amount: ₹3 L ·

J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship merit

Deadline: 2026-03-29

Young Women in Public Affairs Awards merit

37 awards

Amount: ₹4.72 L ·

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program merit

Amount: ₹42.37 L ·

GlobalScholarships.com $3,000 Scholarship both

1 awards

Amount: ₹2.83 L ·

Amberscholar Scholarship both

Amount: ₹47.13 L · Deadline: 2026-08-31

HEST 2025 - New Study Abroad Scholarship need

Amount: ₹3 L ·

Imported from public sources. Confirm amounts and deadlines with the university.

About South Dakota State University

Established in 1881, South Dakota State University is based in South Dakota, USA and is accredited by the HLC. The institute offers more than 200-degree programs for its international and domestic students. Based on fall enrollment 2024 data, the university currently has more than 12,065 students coming from 47 states and 77 countries worldwide. The university acceptance rate stands at 86%, which making it somewhat selective to secure admission.

SA_OVP_South Dakota State University_About University_Info

Things to know about South Dakota State University

Here are some interesting facts worth knowing about SDSU:

Particulars

Validation

Establishment

1881

Ranking

B Shiksha Grading

GPA Requirements

3.0 or higher

Top Majors

Psychology | Mechanical Engineering |Business

Annual Tuition

UG : INR 9.15 L - 10.74 L

PG : INR 9.32 L - 16.46 L

Acceptance Rate

Around 86%

Total Courses

200+

Public or Private

Public Research University

Placement Rate

89%

History

The original structure was constructed in 1883, six years before the State of South Dakota was established, with money provided by the territory assembly. South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts replaced the original name in 1904. The institution was renamed South Dakota State University in 1964.

Students can also read the Study Guide to the USA for International Students

Check out the below videos of South Dakota State University for more Information:

South Dakota State University Scholarships

South Dakota State Uni offers range of scholarships and financial aid to indian students based on academic merit or requirements. Some scholarships offered at university are -

  • Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship Program
  • Aga Khan Foundation
  • WU Scholarships
  • American Association of University Women
  • Nursing Scholarships for international students

South Dakota State University Programs

South Dakota State University is recognized for offering the best academic programs for its international and domestic students. South Dakota State University offers around 200 course offerings, 88 majors, 37 specializations, 106 minors, 38 master's degree courses, 16 Ph.D. programs, and 2 professional doctorate courses to international students. Some of the popular courses at the university are Health professions, Engineering, Business, Management, Marketing, Education, Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Moreover, a few of the most popular university opted by international students are as follows:

South Dakota State University Alumni Popular Programs

SDSU Top Courses

South Dakota State University top courses that Shiksha Grading ranks is as follows:

Top Courses

Shiksha Grading

Civil Engineering

C

Electrical Engineering

C

Mechanical Engineering

C

NOTE: What makes Shiksha Grading stand out is that the website uses the aggregate of all the publicly available university and course rankings from top-ranking publishers and maps it into 9 buckets - A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C++, C+, and C. In this method, universities are graded by country, and courses are graded by availability at the college in a particular country.

Study in the USA - Colleges, Eligibility, and Scholarships

South Dakota State University Notable Alumni

The SDSU's alumni network includes a plethora of ex students (45,000) who continue making the uni proud and some of the well known people are given below that form part of the SDSU Alumni Network:

Name of Personality

Profession

Picture

Kristi Noem

American Politician

Kristi Noem

Adam Vinatieri

American Former Football

Adam Vinatieri

Tom Daschle

American Politician

Tom Daschle

Dallas Goedert

American Football Tight End

Dallas Goedert

Mike Rounds

American Businessman

Mike Rounds

Nate Wolters

Former Professional Basketball Player

Nate Wolters

Theodore Schultz

Agricultural Economist and Chairman

Theodore Schultz

Gene Amdahl

Computer Architect and High-tech Entrepreneur

Gene Amdahl

Leo K. Thorsness

Colonel in USA Airforce

Leo K. Thorsness

Dale Moss

American Former Football

Dale Moss

South Dakota State University Job Outcomes

SDSU graduates are consistently in high demand all over the world. South Dakota State University placement rate is 89%. Moreover, the university placement rate attracts international students the most. The placement highlights at SDSU is given below:

  • South Dakota State University graduate students work in top companies such as HDR, POET, First Bank & Trust, Intel Corporation, CNH, etc.
  • SBSU graduates are placed in leading working sectors that include Operations, Business Development, Engineering, Information Technology, and more.
  • Also, SDSU graduates are highly skilled in Leadership, Public Speaking, Project Management, Strategic Planning, etc.
  • The top program preferences of SDSU alumni are Mechanical Engineering, Economics, Psychology, Biology, and more.

ROI After Education

The average salary earned by graduates after studying at the institute is USD 74,000 (INR 61.64 LPA) per year.

Top Employers

Some of the top employers at the South Dakota State University are mentioned below:

  • Stanford Health
  • Avera Health
  • State of South Dakota
  • Monument Health
  • Mayo Clinic
  • POET
  • HDR
  • CNH
  • Intel Corporation

South Dakota State University Fees

South Dakota State University tuition fee & duration vary from program to program. Additionally, the average tuition fee for undergraduate programs at SDSU ranges from INR 9.15 L - 10.74 L. SDSU's average tuition fee for PG programs ranges between INR 9.32 L - 16.46 L. Check the table mentioned below.

Introduction

  • The Spring 2026 (January) application deadline for undergraduate students is now closed. 

South Dakota State University Admission 2026

For South Dakota State University admission, Indian students have to apply online through the official website. The general admission requirements include meeting the entry requirements and English language proficiency requirements. The South Dakota State University accepts English Language exam scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo as a proof. Also at the end of application process, there is an application fee. To complete the application process, students are required to submit a few documents such as LOR.

South Dakota State University Ranking 2026

One of the top universities in the USA, South Dakota State University ranks at #229 nationally in 2026, as per Shiksha Popularity rankings. For 2026, South Dakota State University stood at #842 in the world rankings. Subject rankings of South Dakota State University are also provided below:

South Dakota State University Course NameShiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (World)Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2026 (Country)
Others PG#568#171
MS#636#194

By Other Ranking Bodies

Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, US News has also ranked the university globally. It ranks South Dakota State University at #257 in 2026. South Dakota State University ranking stood at #1001 as per THE in 2025, globally.

South Dakota State University Vs Arkansas State University Vs San Diego State University

South Dakota State University, Arkansas State University, and San Diego State University are the most prominent universities in the United States. Every university has its merits and demerits. When choosing a university students must check various factors before coming to any conclusion. Some major parameters include fee, location, average salary, placement rate, scholarships offered, and more. Moreover, check the comparison given below of these universities. This will surely help students to gain more clarity on these respective universities:

SA_OVP_South Dakota State University_University Comparison_Info

Common questions

Is South Dakota State University a good university?

South Dakota State University is one of the state’s the largest universities in Brookings, South Dakota, USA. According to the Fall 2024, the University boats around 12,065 students coming from 47 states and 77 countries. Moreover, South Dakota State University is ranked B+ grade by Shiksha Grading. SDSU offers a range of programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels for its international and domestic students. The University offers a welcoming environment for international students, top academic programs, well-qualified and experienced faculty members, and more.

What is South Dakota State University known for?

South Dakota State University is known for offering top-notch infrastructure, a welcoming environment, qualified and experienced faculties, the latest technologies for students, and more. Also, SDSU offers various majors, specializations, minors, master's degree courses, Ph.D. programs, and professional doctorate courses for its students. The University offers a range of scholarships for its students which attracts international students the most. Along with this, South Dakota State University has one of the highest placement rates in the United States. The University graduates are working in top companies worldwide. South Dakota State University placement rate is 89%.

Is South Dakota State University public or private?

South Dakota State University is one of the best public research universities in the United States. The University has a rich alumni network all over the world. Additionally, SDSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., and doctorate programs including various specializations for its students. According to the Shiksha Grading, South Dakota State University has an overall rank of B+ grade. Moreover, a few of the popular programs at the university are Health professions, Engineering, Business, Management, Business, and more.

What are the top majors at South Dakota State University?

SBSU is highly regarded for offering the top academic programs for its international and domestic programs. South Dakota State University offers a variety of majors, specializations, minors, master's degree courses, Ph.D., and professional doctorate programs. Some of the top majors at SDSU are as follows:

  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Civil Engineering
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Economics
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Education
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Biology
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Biochemistry
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Architecture
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Biotechnology
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Public Health
  • Management
Is South Dakota State University hard to get into?

According to the US News and World Report, South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 86% making it somewhat selective for admissions for international students. Some of the general admission requirements for students at SDSU are given as follows:

Who is the most famous South Dakota State University alumni?

South Dakota State University has a vast alumni network. SDSU has produced more than 100,000 alumni, who are working all over the world and making the university proud of them. The University graduates are placed in leading sectors such as Operations, Business Development, Engineering, Information Technology, and more. The SDSU alumni network includes various famous personalities, gam- changers, mentors, dreamers, innovators, etc. Some of the most famous people who are part of the SDSU alumni network are given below:

  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Stephen Censky
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Richard F. Kneip
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Ben Reifel
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Kristi Noem
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Adam Vinatieri
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Tom Daschle
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Dallas Goedert
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Mike Rounds
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Nate Wolters
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Theodore Schultz
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Gene Amdahl
  • Leo K. Thorsness
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Dale Moss

A graphical representation of top companies where SDSU’s alumni work are as follows:

 

Who are the top recruiters at South Dakota State University?

SDSU has one of the highest placement rates in the United States. South Dakota State University graduates are always in high demand worldwide. Moreover, South Dakota State University placement rate is 89%. Additionally, SDSU graduates are working for leading sectors such as Engineering, Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, and more. Some of the top employers at the South Dakota State University are mentioned below:

  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Stanford Health
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Daktronics
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Avera Health
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->State of South Dakota
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Monument Health
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Mayo Clinic
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->POET
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->HDR
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->CNH
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Northwestern Mutual
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Burns & McDonnell
  • Intel Corporation
What is the application deadline for international students at South Dakota State University?

SDSU offers admission for international students in two intakes such as Fall and Spring intakes. South Dakota State University offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs for its international students. In order to secure admission at SDSU international students must meet the admission and English language requirements at the university. International students can apply at the university through the Official University Portal. Moreover, the South Dakota State University application deadline for undergraduate and postgraduate programs is as follows:

Intakes

UG

PG

Spring 2026 (January)

Nov 1, 2025

Oct 15, 2025

Fall 2026 (August)

Jun 15, 2026

Apr 15, 2026

How much is the application fee for international students at South Dakota State University?

South Dakota State University is one of the best universities in the United States. The university provides a huge range of UG and PG programs for its international and domestic students. International students who are applying to SDSU can apply via the University Official Portal. Students must apply before the admission deadline to secure admission at the university. Moreover, the South Dakota State University application fee is USD 20 (INR 1,674) for international applicants. Along with this, SDSU has a non-refundable application fee for international students.

Does the South Dakota State University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, South Dakota State University offers various scholarships for its international students. Moreover, SDSU scholarships may have eligibility criteria that international students must fulfill. Hence, students must refer to the scholarship-specific page of the university. South Dakota State University scholarships.

  • Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship Program
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Aga Khan Foundation
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->WU Scholarships
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship Program
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->American Association of University Women
  • <!- [if !supportLists]-><!- [endif]->Nursing Scholarships for international students
How expensive is it to live at South Dakota State University?

The kind of housing, the meal plan, and personal expenses are some of the variables that affect the cost of living at South Dakota State University (SDSU). With accommodation and board included, the projected yearly cost for overseas undergraduate students is USD 12,308. Depending on the kind of housing and meal package, the anticipated cost of attendance for undergraduate students living on campus ranges from USD 18,861 to USD 20,456, while for those living off campus, it ranges from USD 19,719 to USD 21,314. Furthermore, according to College Factual, room and board at SDSU average USD 10,000 annually. As a result, SDSU's cost of living is comparatively low when compared to other American institutions.

What is the ranking of South Dakota State University programs?

South Dakota State University offers over 200 degree programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs for its international students. SDSU popular programs include Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Moreover, some of the top programs at the university that are ranked by Shiksha Grading is as follows:

Top Courses

Shiksha Grading

Civil Engineering

C

Electrical Engineering

C

Mechanical Engineering

C

NOTE: What makes Shiksha Grading stand out is that the website uses the aggregate of all the publicly available university and course rankings from top-ranking publishers and maps it into 9 buckets - A+, A, B+, B, C+, and C. In this method, universities are graded by country, and courses are graded by availability at the college in a particular country.

How many programs does South Dakota State University offer?

South Dakota State University is known for offering the best academic programs for its international and domestic students. The University offers a wide range of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. South Dakota State University offers around 200 course offerings, 88 majors, 37 specializations, 106 minors, 38 master's degree courses, 16 Ph.D. programs, and 2 professional doctorate courses to international students. Some of the top programs at university that are opted by international students include Computer Science M.S. and Masters in Data Science. A graphical represenation of popular chosen by alumni is as follows:

 

Will my life on campus be better at South Dakota State University than staying off-campus?

On-Campus Living:

  • Convenient location for classes.
  • Every floor has community assistants to assist with the adjustment to SDSU, and every hallway has full-time staff members.
  • Possibility of being involved in student life.
  • Creating eternal memories and enduring friendships.
  • Safer community and campus.

Off-Campus Living:

  • Greater autonomy and seclusion.
  • Reduced living expenses in comparison to on-campus housing.
  • Freedom to select your own neighborhood and living.
  • Arrangements Possibility of a more varied living environment.

Considering above advantages and disadvantages a student can choose.

What are the Engineering course rankings at South Dakota State University?

Some of the Engineering course rankings at South Dakota State University are given as follows:

Year US News and World Report- Civil Engineering PGUS News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG202113716820221461702023142NA
What is the ranking of South Dakota State University in the world?

According to the US News and World Report Rankings 2023, South Dakota State University has a ranking of #1172. Some of the other rankings at the university are given as follows:

Year South Dakota State University2019103720201037202110832022114520231172
Why Shiksha Grading for the South Dakota State University is better than other ranking bodies?

The University ranking highly influences student's decision to enroll in the university. Shiksha Study Abroad has launched Shiksha Grading. There are various ranking authorities available in the market, but Shiksha Grading stands out of the herd. Shiksha Grading has categorized its ranking into 9 grades such as A+, A, B+, B, C+, and C. South Dakota State University has an overall ranking of B grade as per the Shiksha Grading. Additionally, SDSU courses are mostly ranked in the range of C grade. Moreover, Shiksha Grading grades universities and colleges as per their particular country. Along with this, University courses are graded based on their availability at the colleges or universities in a specific country. Shiksha Grading provides rankings for universities, colleges, and programs all under one system, freeing students from the hassle of comparing rankings from different authorities.

Which university is better: South Dakota State University or Arkansas State University?

South Dakota State University and Arkansas State University are the most reputable universities for pursuing higher education in the USA. Every university has its pros and cons. Additionally, each student's needs and requirements can differ from one to another. Some crucial factors that students must consider include rankings, average salary, placement rate, and more. According to the Shiksha Grading, South Dakota State University has an overall ranking of B grade and Arkansas State University has an overall ranking of C+ grade. SDSU stands taller as compared to Arkansas State University under the ranking category. The average salary of SDSU graduates is INR 61.94 LPA. Whereas, the average salary of Arkansas State University graduates is INR 56.08 LPA. Hence, in terms of average graduate salary South Dakota State University has the upper hand as compared to Arkansas State University. Furthermore, students also check parameters such as acceptance rate, programs, placement rate, and more.

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