Academic Comparison between SD Mines and USD

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and University of South Dakota are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in South Dakota

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • SD Mines has more expensive tuition & fees ($14,800) than USD ($12,942).
  • It is harder to admit to SD Mines than USD.
  • SD Mines has a higher submitted SAT score (1,230) than USD (1,195).
  • SD Mines has higher submitted ACT score (26) than USD (22).
  • USD has more students with 9,856 students while SD Mines has 2,492 students.
  • SD Mines has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while USD's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • USD has more full-time faculties with 433 faculties while SD Mines has 157 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

South Dakota School of Mines and Technologyvs.University of South Dakota
Rapid City, South DakotaLocationVermillion, South Dakota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$10,400
Out-Of-State$14,800
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,432
Out-Of-State$12,942
75%% Receiving Financial Aid57%
$6,336Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,850
84.99 %Acceptance Rates99.01 %
38.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.00 %
1,230SAT Score1,195
26ACT Score22
55 %Graduation Rate57 %
5 %Transfer-out Rate25 %
83 %Retention Rate82 %
2,492Student Population9,856
157Number of Faculties433
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare