University of South Dakota

GEMADARC – Germanium Materials and Detectors Advancement Research Consortium. USD is a lead partner in this global consortium, which seeks to advance germanium technologies for the search for dark matter, neutrinoless double-beta decay, and more.

Student Satisfaction

In several important areas, our students report satisfaction rates significantly higher than national averages. These include (on a 6.0 scale):

• nearly all of the faculty are knowledgeable in their field – 5.98
• faculty are usually available after class and during office hours – 5.90
• my advisor is approachable – 5.93
• my advisor is knowledgeable about requirements in my major – 5.88
• there is a strong commitment to racial harmony – 5.58
• campus is safe and secure for all students – 5.74
• on the whole, the campus is well maintained – 6.0 (highest of all surveyed schools)

In a separate survey of academic engagement, 90% of seniors rated their entire education experience at USD as “excellent” or “good.”

Unique Size

University of South Dakota (USD) is a big-time university:

• USD is a research intensive university with graduate programs in most majors, advanced technologies, and funding for research and travel.
• USD’s influence extends beyond campus through the whole state and into the world.
• Division I athletics – experience the traditions and excitement of fall football games, championship winter basketball and competitions in nine other sports.
• The Honors Program brings undergraduate students with outstanding academic skills together from all disciplines across campus for unique classes and a freshman living experience.

With a small college feel:

• Total enrollment of 10,261 students. 7,648 undergraduate students. 
• Student-Faculty ratio of 15:1.
• Small Classes. Professors get to know you; they help you master material, identify internships, get practical experience on research projects, or gain admission to the graduate program of your dreams.
• Residence halls are on campus; all first year undergraduates are guaranteed a room.
• Faculty members, not graduate students, teach most introductory classes.
• In lab research, you have direct contact and mentorship from the laboratory director.
• Everything on campus is less than a 15-minute walk.

Scholarships and Funding

The University of South Dakota’s international advantage is quality, safety and affordability. In addition to the lowest tuition rates among all 50 Flagship Universities in the US you may be able to find: 

• Undergraduate Scholarships:  Qualified students are eligible for several renewable merit awards covering from ten to eighty percent of your annual tuition costs or a competition that covers half of the costs of a standard residence hall room.   
• Graduate Assistantships:  Students typically fund their studies with assistantships selected at the department level. A limited number of assistantships are available in support offices around campus. 
• Work on campus:  Undergraduate and graduate students are successful at finding campus employment of up to 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week during the summer.

Degree