Overview
Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota is the oldest and only public liberal arts university in South Dakota, predating statehood itself. Located in Vermillion, USD has grown into the state's primary center for graduate, professional, and research education, housing the state's only School of Law and Sanford School of Medicine. It carries Carnegie R2 research classification status and offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across the arts, sciences, business, health, fine arts, and professional fields.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Vermillion, South Dakota |
| Founded | 1862 |
| Total students | 8,800 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 84% |
| Graduation rate | 58% |
| Average starting salary | $48,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $9,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,600 |
| Room & board | $10,200 |
| Average financial aid | $9,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 990-1220 |
| ACT range | 19-25 |
| Average GPA | 3.50 |
| Regular deadline | August 1 |
Top Programs
- Medicine
- Law
- Nursing
- Business
- Fine Arts
- Physical Therapy
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.