South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota · Public · 98.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 61/100 · Fair Value
South Dakota State University scores 61 (Fair Value). The most notable feature in its Scorecard data is a standout repayment rate of 88.9% at 3 years — the 93rd percentile — suggesting SDSU graduates who borrow are effectively managing their debt. This contrasts with an only moderate earnings trajectory: $41,100 median 6-year earnings, a 10.9-year payback period, and a 62.4% completion rate. Pharmacy is the clear standout at 60 graduates earning $122,169 at year four (ROI grade A, debt-to-earnings 0.213). Nursing is the volume driver at 290 graduates and $71,758 year-one. The engineering programs — Mechanical (72 graduates, $67,791 year-one), Civil (47 graduates, $69,129 year-one), and Construction Engineering Technology ($77,949 year-one) — produce solid middle-tier outcomes at low in-state cost ($9,299 tuition). Agriculture programs are well-represented and reflect SDSU's land-grant mission. The institutional aggregate is pulled down by a 62.4% completion rate and a wide tail of lower-earning social science and arts programs with D-grade ROI metrics.
South Dakota State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,299/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $12,809/yr |
| Average net price | $19,841/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $79,364 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,070 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $246 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 62.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 9,198 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at South Dakota State University is $9,299/year ($12,809/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $19,841/year, or roughly $79,364 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,266/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $21,886/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $246 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $55,070 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.57 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,266 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,248 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,073 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,706 |
| $110,001+ | $21,886 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $14,266 per year at SDSU. Against in-state tuition of $9,299, this net price is higher than expected, suggesting that room, board, and fees constitute the bulk of the cost even after aid. The 88.9% repayment rate suggests borrowers are managing debt successfully, which is the most favorable signal for low-income students considering SDSU.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $18,073 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $20,706. Net price rises modestly across income bands. At these cost levels, pharmacy and nursing programs produce payback periods well under 10.9 years. Middle-income students in engineering or agriculture also face a reasonable financial picture at these costs.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $21,886 per year. SDSU's out-of-state tuition of $12,809 is also low by national standards, meaning even out-of-state families pay relatively modest amounts. The full-pay case at SDSU depends entirely on program: pharmacy and nursing produce fast paybacks, while social science and arts programs do not.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at South Dakota State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $77,932 | B |
| Animal Sciences | $53,784 | C+ |
| Business Information Systems | $45,123 | C+ |
| Biology | $54,446 | D |
| Psychology | $50,210 | D |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,704 | B |
| Teacher Education | $43,934 | C |
| Pharmacy | $122,169 | A |
| Agriculture, General | $61,132 | B |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $46,487 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy is SDSU's top-performing program: 60 graduates, $122,169 median year-four earnings, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.213 (ROI grade A). Year-one earnings are not reported by the Scorecard. Median debt of $26,000 against a $122k salary produces a fast payback. South Dakota's pharmacist demand from hospital systems, retail pharmacy, and rural health access creates strong regional placement. This program is a genuine value at SDSU's low in-state tuition.
Registered Nursing
Nursing (290 graduates) earns $71,758 year-one and $77,932 year-four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.390 (ROI grade B). This is SDSU's highest-volume program and a reliable earnings pathway in a state with persistent healthcare workforce shortages. Median debt of $28,000 is manageable against starting nursing salaries. The program is a cornerstone of SDSU's professional outcomes.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (72 graduates) earns $67,791 year-one and $87,704 year-four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.398 (ROI grade B). At in-state tuition of $9,299, SDSU Mechanical Engineering graduates enter a favorable cost-to-earnings ratio. South Dakota manufacturers and regional engineering firms provide employment, and graduates also move to larger Midwest markets.
Animal Sciences
Animal Sciences (101 graduates) earns $44,844 year-one and $53,784 year-four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.517 (ROI grade C+). This program reflects SDSU's land-grant identity. Outcomes are modest in absolute terms but reasonable relative to SDSU's low cost. Graduates enter livestock production, feed industry, and agricultural services in South Dakota and the Northern Plains.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 85.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 88.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 80.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 84.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 98.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 530-630 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 530-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-25 |
| Enrollment | 9,198 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 16.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,231 |
SDSU's 98.3% admission rate means essentially all applicants are admitted. ACT range 19-25 and SAT 530-630 Math describe the middle half of enrolled students. Selectivity into specific professional programs like pharmacy, nursing, and engineering may differ from the institutional rate. Prospective students should verify program-specific requirements.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
SDSU's Scorecard peers include Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Among South Dakota public institutions, SDSU offers the broadest program range. Its repayment rate of 88.9% is notably stronger than peers. Compared to the University of South Dakota (not in this peer set), SDSU's strength in health sciences and engineering produces better financial outcomes on average.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University (this school) | 61 | $19,841 | $55,070 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | 67 | $14,889 | $56,346 |
| Empire State University | 61 | $11,676 | $54,080 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | 59 | $15,788 | $54,659 |
| Dakota State University | 43 | $21,057 | $50,970 |
| Black Hills State University | 31 | $15,911 | $46,674 |
Who Thrives Here
SDSU admits 98.3% of applicants — effectively open access. ACT range 19-25 reflects the student body SDSU serves. At 9,198 enrolled students, SDSU is a mid-sized land-grant with strong agriculture, engineering, nursing, and pharmacy programs. Pell grant rate of 16.8% is typical for a state public. Students drawn to agriculture, health sciences, or engineering at low cost will find strong program-level outcomes. Students in general social sciences or arts face weaker financial returns.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
South Dakota State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $19,841 per year leads to $79,364 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $55,070 a decade out. The payback period of 10.9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $23,250 against $55,070 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.