Admissions
Getting in, fall 2024
South Dakota State admits about 10 in 10 applicants (98%). That puts it in the "Open" tier, more selective than 5% of the 1,547 colleges that report admissions.
Out of every 100 applicants…
The funnel
Men and women were admitted at similar rates (98% and 99%).
$20 to apply
Grants credit for AP exams
Yield
34% of admitted students enroll, in the typical range nationally.
Where you stand
How South Dakota State reads a record
GPA, the high school record, class rank, and a college-prep program are required. Scores are optional. 2% of first-years sent an SAT and 75% an ACT.
What they look at
- High school GPA
- Required
- High school record
- Required
- Class rank
- Required
- College-prep program
- Required
- Recommendations
- Considered
- Essay
- Considered
- Legacy status
- Not considered
- Work experience
- Not considered
- Demonstration of competencies
- Not considered
- English proficiency test
- Required
- Other tests
- Not considered
On the admissions map
↑ SAT midpoint (higher = higher scores)
Test scores
What enrolled first-years scored
The typical enrolled first-year who sent scores is around 1150 on the SAT, 20 points below the median for colleges that report scores.
Optional
Scores are considered if you send them. For students who entered in fall 2024.
Where would you land?
Middle 50% of enrolled first-years who sent scores This college's median National median midpoint
Who submitted scores?
submitted SAT
submitted ACT
At least half of students submitted a score, so the ranges are reasonably representative.
Sources:IPEDS Admissions survey, Fall 2024;IPEDS Institutional Characteristics survey, 2023–24;IPEDS Institutional Characteristics survey (athletics, programs, services, religious affiliation), 2025–26About the data(retrieved 2026-10-12)