Applying to USD

Acceptance RateSAT Median
99.01% 1,195
University of South Dakota's acceptance rate is 99.01% for 2023-2024 admission. A total of 5,349 students applied and 5,296 were admitted to the school. Judging by the acceptance rate, it is relatively easy (higher than the national average) to get into USD.
USD's acceptance rate places 9th out of 11 South Dakota colleges with competitive admission.
The median SAT score is 1,195 and the ACT score is 22 at USD. USD's SAT score ranks 2nd out of 5 South Dakota colleges that consider SAT score for admission.
To apply to USD, the SAT and ACT score is not required, but considered for admission. In addition, english proficiency test score is also considered (required).
Explore University of South Dakota

Admission Statistics

For the academic year 2023-24, the acceptance rate of University of South Dakota is 99.01% and the yield (also known as enrollment rate) is 26.00%. 1,964 men and 3,385 women applied to USD and 1,925 men and 3,351 women students were accepted.
Among them, 443 men and 905 women were enrolled in the school (Fall 2023). The following table and chart show the admission statistics including the number of applicants, acceptance rate, and yield at USD.
Acceptance Rate and Admission Statistics at USD
TotalMenWomenAnother GenderGender Unknown
Applicants5,3491,9643,38500
Admitted5,2961,9253,35100
Enrolled1,37744390500
Acceptance Rate 99.01%98.01%99.00%--
Yield 26.00%23.01%27.01%--
Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: December 11, 2023)
University of South Dakota 2023 Acceptance Rate By Gender chart

SAT and ACT Score Distribution

In 2024, 30 students (2% of enrolled) have submitted their SAT scores and 998 students (73%) have submitted their ACT scores for seeking degrees at USD.
The median SAT score is 1,195 with 610 SAT EBRW and 585 SAT Math median scores. The 75th percentile SAT score of EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading / Writing) is 650 and the 25th percentile is 570. The SAT Math 75th percentile score is 680 and 25th percentile is 540 .
The median ACT composite score is 22 with 75th percentile score of 25 and 25th percentile score of 19 at USD. The median ACT math score is 22 and the ACT English score is 22.
The SAT and ACT scores at University of South Dakota are similar to the average score compared to similar colleges (SAT: 1,121, ACT: 23 - public research university with high research activity).
2024 SAT and ACT Scores at USD
25th Percentile50th Percentile (Median)75th Percentile
SAT Total111011951330
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing570610650
SAT Math540585680
ACT Composite192225
ACT Math182225
ACT English182225
Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: December 11, 2023)
University of South Dakota 2023 SAT and ACT Score Chart

Application Requirements

It requires to submit High School Record (or Transcript), Completion of College Preparatory Program, and English Proficiency Test to its applicants.
The SAT and ACT test score is not reqired, but considered in admission process at USD. The english proficiency test is reqired .
The next table summarizes the application requirements to apply University of South Dakota.
For more admission information such as minimum GPA and deadlines, see its online application page .
USD Admission Requirements
High School GPAConsidered, if submitted
High School RankConsidered, if submitted
High School Record (or Transcript)Required
Completion of College Preparatory ProgramRequired
RecommendationsConsidered, if submitted
Formal Demonstration of CompetenciesNot Considered
SAT / ACTConsidered, if submitted
English Proficiency TestRequired
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc)Not Considered
Work experienceNot Considered
Personal statement or essayNot Considered
Legacy statusNot Considered

General Admissions Information

The application fee is $20 for undergraduate schools and $35 for graduate schools of University of South Dakota. The next table provides general admission information for applying to USD.
Admission Information for Applying to USD
Open Admission PolicyNo
Undergraduate Application Fees$20
Graduate Application Fees$35
Admission Informationhttps://www.usd.edu/admissions
Online Applicationhttps://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Apply
Calendar SystemSemester
Course for High School StudentsOffers within a dual enrollment
Credits AcceptedAdvanced placement (AP) Credits
Degree Offered1-Year Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Post-Bachelor Certificate, Master, Doctoral (Research), Doctoral (Professional Practice)
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