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College Info
3 items available
At a glance
- Type
- private
Official website
www.usd.eduUSAQS #5 World📊 Live dataCatalogue complete
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public, comprehensive university located in Vermillion, South Dakota. It was established in 1862 and is the state's flagship university. USD offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, and engineering. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes. USD is also recognized for its commitment to community engagement and service learning.
Key Facts
Last full enrichment: 8 Jun 2026
Live portal snapshot
Times Higher Education #9 · 2026Forbes #493 · 2026US News & World Report #1950 · 2026Times Higher Education #9 · 2025US News & World Report #1950 · 2025Times Higher Education #96 · 2024
- Living Costs (estimated): $1,850
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Campus Vibe
Urban, 200 acres
The University of South Dakota offers a unique blend of urban amenities and a small-town atmosphere, with a vibrant campus life and a strong emphasis on academic excellence.
SportyAcademicResidentialIntimate Community
4/10
Diversity
1/10
Academic Rigor
7/10
City safety (heuristic)
7/10
Social scene
Weather: Varies widely by state
Living costs: Research local rent and transport for your intake year
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Career Outcomes
40.9% placement rate
The university has a placement rate of 40.9%, with students pursuing various fields. The average starting salary is not specified, but the university provides resources and support for career development.
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Student Life
4,000 students (400 international)
Campus: Urban, 200 acres
Location: Vermillion, United States
Climate: Varies widely by state
Research local rent and transport for your intake year
Located in Vermillion, the university serves around 4,000 students, fostering a close-knit community with a focus on residential life and sports.
LibrarySports ComplexResearch LabsStudent HousingCafeteria
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Application Insider
Acceptance rate: 75%
IELTS: Overall 6.5
When to apply: Dec–Mar for Fall; rolling varies by school
The acceptance rate is 75%, and the best time to apply is between December and March for the fall semester, with rolling admissions varying by school.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting generic SOPs — tailor your story to 2–3 program-specific points
- Missing document certified translations where required
- Applying in the final round without buffer for visa timelines
- Ignoring conditional offers — respond before the deadline in the portal
💡IELTS requirement: Overall 6.5
💡Acceptance rate: 75%
💡Latest cutoff: GRE avg=296, p25=293, p75=299 (n=3)
💡Typical apply window for United States: Dec–Mar for Fall; rolling varies by school