Overview
Founded in 1907 as a two-year medical program, the school expanded to a full four-year MD-granting institution in 1975 and was renamed in 2008 following a major gift from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. As the sole medical school in South Dakota, it plays a critical role in addressing the state's physician workforce needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and maintains strong ties to Sanford Health and Avera Health systems. The school is recognized for its Rural and Frontier Medicine track and its focus on producing primary care physicians for the region.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Vermillion, South Dakota |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Total students | 700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 5:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 10% |
| Graduation rate | 95% |
| Average starting salary | $220,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $34,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,000 |
| Room & board | $12,000 |
| Average financial aid | $25,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.75 |
| Regular deadline | November 1 |
Top Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Rural and Frontier Medicine
- Biomedical Sciences
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Medical Genetics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.