South Dakota is renowned for its natural beauty and is home to numerous educational institutions offering a variety of academic programs. This article will guide you through the top colleges in South Dakota, focusing on their annual costs, enrollment, SAT range, and popular majors. These colleges cater to a wide range of interests, from arts and humanities to sciences and engineering.
University of South Dakota (USD)
USD, located in Vermillion, is South Dakota’s oldest university and known for its law and medical schools.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is approximately $25,000, and for out-of-state students, it’s around $35,000. The university enrolls about 7,500 undergraduate students with an SAT range of 1030-1240.
Majors: USD offers over 200 undergraduate programs, with popular majors in Business, Health Professions, and Education.
Augustana University
Augustana University, located in Sioux Falls, is a private, liberal arts university offering a broad range of academic programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at Augustana University is about $46,000. It enrolls around 1,800 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 1110-1300.
Majors: The university offers more than 50 majors, with popular ones being Nursing, Business, and Biology.
South Dakota State University (SDSU)
SDSU, located in Brookings, is the state’s largest university known for its agriculture and engineering research.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is around $24,000, and for out-of-state students, it’s about $34,000. The university has an enrollment of around 10,500 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 1040-1260.
Majors: SDSU offers more than 80 majors, with popular ones including Nursing, Agriculture, and Engineering.
Dakota State University
Located in Madison, Dakota State University is a public university known for its strong programs in computer and information sciences.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is approximately $23,000, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $33,000. The university enrolls around 2,300 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 950-1180.
Majors: The university offers various majors, with a focus on Computer and Information Sciences, Business, and Education.
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Located in Rapid City, this public institution is known for its science and engineering programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is about $26,000, and for out-of-state students, it’s around $36,000. The school enrolls around 2,100 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 1150-1360.
Majors: The school offers majors primarily in Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Computer and Information Sciences.
Dakota Wesleyan University
Dakota Wesleyan University is a private Methodist university located in Mitchell.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at Dakota Wesleyan University is around $39,000. The university enrolls approximately 850 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 910-1110.
Majors: The university offers over 40 majors, with popular ones including Nursing, Business, and Education.
Black Hills State University
Located in Spearfish, Black Hills State University is a public university offering a broad range of programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is approximately $23,000, and for out-of-state students, it’s around $33,000. The university has an enrollment of about 3,300 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 960-1180.
Majors: Black Hills State University offers over 60 majors, with popular ones including Business, Education, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
Northern State University
Northern State University is a public university located in Aberdeen and is recognized for its business, education, and fine arts programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is about $22,000, and for out-of-state students, it’s around $32,000. The university enrolls about 1,500 undergraduate students with an SAT range of 910-1110.
Majors: Northern State University offers over 50 majors, with popular ones including Business, Education, and Fine/Studio Arts.
Mount Marty University
Mount Marty University, located in Yankton, is a private Catholic university known for its nursing and healthcare-related programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at Mount Marty University is about $40,000. The university enrolls approximately 1,100 undergraduate students with an SAT range of 950-1160.
Majors: The university offers over 30 majors, with popular ones including Nursing, Business, and Criminal Justice.
University of Sioux Falls
The University of Sioux Falls is a private Christian university offering various academic programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The University of Sioux Falls average annual cost is around $31,000. The university enrolls around 1,100 undergraduate students, with an SAT range of 950-1170.
Majors: The University of Sioux Falls offers over 40 majors. Some of the most popular include Nursing, Business, and Education.
How to Increase SAT Score
If you aim to attend one of these top-notch colleges in South Dakota, consider improving your SAT scores. Higher SAT scores can enhance your chances of acceptance and may open doors to scholarship opportunities.
Consider using SAT prep books, online resources, and tutoring services to help improve your scores. Dedicate regular time to study and focus on areas where you need the most improvement. Practice tests can be a great way to identify these areas and to get a feel for the timing and format of the test.
In conclusion, South Dakota offers diverse educational opportunities across its various colleges and universities. Whether you’re interested in the humanities, sciences, or arts, there’s likely an institution that aligns with your academic goals in South Dakota. Be sure to consider factors like cost, size, location, and the majors available when making your decision.
