ic S/general/checkmark circled Thanks for subscribing! Be on the lookout for our next newsletter.
ic S/general/checkmark circled
Saved to My Favorites. View My Favorites
Colleges / University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD 4-Year Public
Acceptance Rate99%

University of South Dakota Tuition Information

In 2022, tuition for full-time students at University of South Dakota was $7,773 a year for in-state students and $11,283 a year for out-of-state students.

On average, college tuition rises about 3% year.

Remember, the total cost of tuition isn't necessarily what you will have to pay to attend a school. Many students pay way less than the total tuition after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts are applied. Plus, student loans can make theactual cost of attending college more manageable until you've finishing school and found a job.

Tuition for international students at University of South Dakota is $11,283 per year.

University of South Dakota meets 58.13% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. First-year students that attend University of South Dakota full-time are awarded $8,670 a year in financial aid, on average.

In 2020, students graduated with an average of $28,354 in student loans for each student with debt.

Does University of South Dakota Offer In-State and Out-of-State Tuition?

University of South Dakota is a public, state institution, so it offers a reduced tuition rate of $7,773 for in-state students who attend full-time. For non-South Dakota residents, out-of-state tuition is $11,283 a year.

Public colleges and universities receive funding from the state government. These institutions offer a lower cost of attendance for those who qualify as South Dakota residents.

Choosing a school where you qualify for the reduced tuition offered to state residentscan save on the cost of tuition, as well as loans and interest owed. Take the time to verify your state's requirements for as an in-state resident. Each state has different requirements to qualify as in-state resident. In many states, students must have lived in the state for 12 months before starting school to qualify for in-state tuition. There may be additional requirements too, depending on where you live.

Explore other South Dakota colleges

University of South Dakota International Student Tuition

University of South Dakota has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students at University of South Dakota can expect to pay around $11,283 per year, before any scholarships, grants or other financial aid.

Students from outside of the U.S. are not eligible for loans or grants from the U.S. government, but may qualify for private or school-specific grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. International students with need may qualify for the following types of financial support at University of South Dakota:

•University of South Dakota-specific scholarships

International students without financial need may be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships.


University of South Dakota Living Expenses, Fees, and More


In addition to tuition, there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies. Let's take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at University of South Dakota.

House and Food Costs at University of South Dakota

Housing and campus dining at University of South Dakota is $8,600 a year. This covers the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, plus a dining plan that allows you to eat all or some of your meals the University of South Dakota's on-campus cafeterias and dining halls. Students who do not live on-campus but still want to use the dining facilities can choose to be on a meal plan. The cost of board-only is $5,167.

Board costs vary based on on how many meals are included in the plan you choose.

Cost of Books at University of South Dakota

First-year students are sometimes surprised by how much books and supplies cost–and not in a good way. The real cost of books and supplies depends on the courses you take and the materials required. To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy used textbooks and materials.

Annual Fees

Most schools also have fees to help cover the cost of facilties, like the computer labs and libraries, athletic facilities, and more.

There may be optional fees associated with participating in special activities, like joining a fraternity or sorority, or playing on an intramural sports team. Most colleges offer resources for students who may struggle to participate because of cost can get help covering these fees.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Transportation costs at University of South Dakota

The total cost of getting around in college can really vary. Will you take a subway, car or an airplane to get to school? Will you need to pay to park on-campus? Is the campus easy to get around on foot? Do you own a car, or will you need to use busses, subways, or other modes of transportation? All of these factors can make a big difference in your estimated cost of transportation. Keeping in mind, first-year students are allowed to park a car on campus.

The location of a college or university can also have a big effect on the amount you'll have to spend just to get around. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the other hand getting around in a city is sometimes expensive, but there may be more buses, trains and affordable flights to actually get to school. University of South Dakotais located in a town in South Dakota.

Other Costs

When creating a budget for college, don’t forget to consider personal expenses, like movies, takeouts, furniture or appliances for your dorm or housing, and essentials like laundry detergent, toothpaste and toilet paper.


Financial Breakdown for University of South Dakota


Now, let’s do a rundown of all of the costs associated with college, to get a better idea of how much students can expect to shell out for University of South Dakota.

Total Cost of University of South Dakota

What will the cost of attending University of South Dakota be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.

2023 Total Tuition and Expenses
In-state Tuition $7,773
Out-of-State Tuition $11,283
Room and Board $8,600
Board Only $3,846
Other expenses $2,995

The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.


University of South Dakota Financial Aid


In 2023, 2,290 of the 7,132 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. University of South Dakota meets 58.13% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $8,670 a year. Around 70% of University of South Dakota undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. University of South Dakota graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $28,354 of student loan debt.

The average debt for each loan type varies.

Average Debt By Loan Type
Federal Loans $21,953
Private Loans $22,443
Most Common Loans for University of South Dakota Students
Federal Loans 70%
Private loans 21%

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on University of South Dakota financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at University of South Dakota

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2023, University of South Dakota awarded 1,122 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $7.6 million to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $9.88 million in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.

University of South Dakota Net Cost

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for University of South Dakota students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at University of South Dakota was $8,670 in 2023. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of University of South Dakota seem more manageable.

Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students
In-State, On-Campus $4,887
Net In-state, Off-campus $8,803
Out-of-State, On-Campus $17,067

What will attending University of South Dakota really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families make more informed decisions about the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the University of South Dakota's net cost calculator on their website.

University of South Dakota Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

Students cannot pay tuition in installments. Contact the financial aid office to verify this and discuss options.

University of South Dakota Tuition Waivers

Schools sometimes waiver tuition for certain groups, to make attending more affordable. Some colleges offer tuition waivers for faculty, staff, and their families , underrepresented students, or military students. Even if you qualify for a waiver, other expenses and fees are the responsibility of the student.

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

University of South Dakota's Endowment

An endowment is the total value of a school's investments, donations, and assets. Endowment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of a school, but it can give you a sense of how much money a college can afford to invest in expanding programs, improving facilities, and supporting students.

University of South Dakota's endowment was valued at $328.5 million in 2023, compared to a national average of $905 million. The school spends $10,011 for each full-time student enrolled.


Learn More About University of South Dakota


Choose one of the options below to find out more about about University of South Dakota:

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Admissions

Connect with other students, parents, and admissions professionals to learn more about about University of South Dakota in the College Confidential forums

University of South Dakota Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

$19,232

In State

$22,742

Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$7,773
$11,283
Fees
$1,659
$1,659
Housing
$8,600
$8,600
Books
$1,200
$1,200

University of South Dakota Financial Aid

Students Who Receive Need-Based Aid

25%

Average Financial Aid Package

$9,595

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

9,856

Campus Setting

Small Town

Acceptance Rate

99%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$9,432

Out-of-State

$12,942

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Unknown
Find Your Scholarship

Want to find money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back? Access insights and advice on how to search and apply for scholarships!

Search for Scholarship
Do You Work at a University?

Claim your page to customize your profile and connect with students!

Claim Free Account
ECE68226-946A-49FB-9EBE-25C918B98643
Need Advice or Have a Question About University of South Dakota?

Connect with the world's largest college forum for candid, authentic discussion.

Join the Conversation