South Dakota State University

Build Your Future. Find Your Place.

It’s time to build your future at South Dakota State University. With 80 majors, 97 minors and excellent faculty, SDSU provides you with all the tools you need to turn your dreams into reality. We are a place where world-class academics open big-time doors, and where you’re a part of the family from your very first day. You’ll be challenged here. You’ll be supported here. And you’ll go farther once you graduate from here. It’s time to discover where you’re going and who you will become.

Home to some 12,000 students, of which over 550 represent 80+ countries, SDSU is the largest and most diverse university in the State of South Dakota. SDSU is consistently and proudly recognized as one of the most affordable universities in the United States, and was recognized in 2021 as the 5th Best Value in the US for international students by College Factual.

You can hear what our students have to say on our YouTube channel: South Dakota State University International.

Ranking and Accreditations

SDSU is a nationally ranked university with over 20 accreditations.  Examples of program specific accreditation include Architecture (NAAB), Aviation Education (AABI), Biochemistry (ASBMB), Engineering (ABET), Hospitality Management (ACPHA), and Nursing (CCNE).  More than 95% of SDSU students determine their future path by going on to careers, graduate school or other opportunities such as internships and fellowships.

Brookings and SDSU receives national recognition and accolades every year. A few recent examples include: Top Ten college town in the US (Schools.com), top 25 Safest College Campus (Alarms.org), #5 for Best Value in the US for international students (College Factual), #4 Most Affordable program in the US (Computer Science Degree Hub), and the #1 Best Total Package in the state of South Dakota (Zippia).

The Land Grant Mission

South Dakota State belongs to a select group of land-grant Universities, as designated by the Morrill Act of 1862, as a member of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU). The original land-grant mission focused on scientific agriculture, mechanical arts, military science and the revolutionary idea of making public higher education accessible to everyone. Keeping with this tradition, South Dakota State offers affordable tuition rates, moderate GPA requirements (2.6 GPA equivalent), ACT/SAT waiver for non-U.S. applicants, scholarships offered with admission decisions, and reasonable TOEFL/IELTS requirements. 

Global Foundations Pathway

As part of our institutional committment to providing access to higher education, we offer multiple entry point to earn your degree and build your future. For students who do not have the required English proficiency, do not have access to obtain English proficiency scores, or who simply want to improve their English before embarking on a degree, the Global Foundations Pathway offers you a way to achieve admission to the university. As a participant in the Global Foundations Pathway, you will enjoy 1:1 support through an intensive English course, in addition to having the opportunity to enroll in up to 9 credits of degree-credit courses.

Living Accommodations

South Dakota State has 14 Residence halls (dorms) and campus apartments, giving students a variety of housing options and prices.  There are also private rental houses and apartments within walking distance of campus. 

Location

SDSU is located in Brookings, South Dakota with 24,000 residents.  New students arriving for orientation enjoy FREE airport pickup from Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), just one hour from campus.  Urban settings such as Minneapolis, Minnesota and Omaha, Nebraska are each less than a four-hour drive away, perfect for weekend getaways.  Also, Brookings is home to some very noteworthy industry such as:

• Daktronics Inc., the world’s industry leader in designing and manufacturing electronic scoreboards, programmable display systems and large screen video displays.
• Bel Brand Cheese, a world leader in branded cheeses, headquartered in Paris, France.  Brookings is one of only five U.S. locations.
• 3M Company, an American multinational conglomerate corporation.
• Larson Manufacturing, the largest manufacturer of storm doors and storm windows in the United States.

What Our Students Say

“Here, people are welcoming and willing to help always. In the workplace or in classes, people ask if I need help. That helped my academics and also helped with learning English.” –Japanese Exercise Science Major

“I like how professors take interest in the students here; they try to get to know their students on a personal level.”-Bangladeshi Psychology Major

“SDSU has really good price for really great experience for the knowledge you gain. If you really want to achieve something, SDSU is a really great beginning for your next step in life.” –Uzbek Hospitality Management Major

“From the first day I arrived at SDSU, I experienced something that I think is very representative of the culture here. That is the kindness of the people who hold doors open, greet you with a smile, ask about your day and give you personal attention.”-Malaysian Computer Science Major

“You have the freedom of choosing your own schedule and going at your own pace. I think it’s also really nice that we have an international office as a resource as well as advisors to help you figure out your classes.” –Russian Broadcast Journalism Major

“The international office helped me a lot. They are very responsive and very supportive to international students. Every time I have questions or concerns, they reply to me very quickly.” –Vietnamese Interior Design Major

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