The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public research university located in Vermillion, South Dakota. This University offers 200 undergraduate majors and 80 graduate programs for domestic and international students. Popular programs at the University of South Dakota include business, engineering, health services and liberal arts. With an acceptance rate of 99%, the University of South Dakota maintains an accessible admissions process. About 2.3% of the total undergraduate and graduate student population comes from the 77 countries.
Undergraduate students require a minimum GPA of 2.6 on a 4.0 scale, which is 75% aggregate required. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally required for a graduate applicant. Furthermore, English proficiency requirements are mandatory for Indian students with a minimum score, including TOEFL ibt 79, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 100. For MBA students, the GMAT or GRE is required for admission to the University of South Dakota programs.
The annual tuition fee at this University ranges from$13,299 per year, depending on the program type and level. The University of South Dakota varies with additional fees for housing and other expenses. On-campus housing ranges from $10,590 annually per academic year, depending on the residence hall and meal plan selected. This university boasts a strong employment rate, with 97% of graduates employed, with average salaries reaching $37,900 per year.
3.1 University of South Dakota Graduate Admission Requirements
3.2 University of South Dakota Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| University Type and Establishment | A public university established in 1862 |
| Number of Campuses | 1 main campus |
| Campus Location | 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069, United States |
| Campus Area | 274 acres |
| Total Student Enrollment | 9,500 students, including UG and PG |
| International Student percentage | 6-7% |
| Country represented | 37 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98% |
| Employment Rate | The average salary is $60,000 after graduation |
| Official Website | https://www.usd.edu/ |
According to the data of US News & World Report Best National Universities, the University of South Dakota stands in the ranking at #273 in 2025. The table below shows the ranking progression throughout the year.
| Ranking type | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| US News Best National Universities | #273 | #269 |
| Forbes America’s Top Colleges | #470 | #459 |
The University of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 98%, which is the same as the 98% last year. This indicates that the university is constantly increasing towards student intake. The eligibility criteria for admission to the University of South Dakota at various academic levels are as follows:
Indian students can apply directly through the Gradcas Application Portal. After you submit your application, you will receive an email with instructions to upload your documents. The general admission requirements for master’s courses at the University of South Dakota are given below:
Application Portal: Gradcas Application Portal.
Application Fee: USD 38 (₹3,300 INR)
Admission requirements:
Supporting documents :
English Language Proficiency:
The University of South Dakota allows international students to apply for Undergraduate courses through an online mode. The admission requirements for bachelor’s programs are as follows:
Application Portals: USD Application portal
Application Fee: USD 20 (₹1,750 INR)
Admission requirements:
English Language Proficiency:
Supporting documents:
The University of South Dakota offers 280 undergraduate and 80 graduate programs for domestic as well as international students. Tuition fees for a bachelor’s program at USD are $12,942 per year. Master’s tuition fees widely range from USD 15,000 to USD 18,000 The table below shows some of the popular courses offered by the University for international as well as domestic students:
| Courses | Duration | Tuition fee(USD) | Tuition fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Biomedical Sciences | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Chemistry | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Physics | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Sustainability | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Psychology | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| MS in Communication Sciences & Disorders | 2 years | $25,000 | ₹2,080,000 |
| Courses | Duration | Tuition Fee (USD) | Tuition fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc in Computer Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Psychology | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BA in Political Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Environmental Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Data Science | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Statistics | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Mechanical Engineering | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Computer Engineering | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
| BSc in Biological Sciences | 4 years | $12,942 | ₹1,080,000 |
For international students looking for financial assistance can explore or check out the following scholarships provided by the University:
| Scholarship | Degree | Amount | Eligibility | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Assistantship | PG | Tuition reduction + stipend | Awarded based on academic merit | Varies by department |
| External Scholarships | PG & UG | $2,000–$10,000 | Offered by external organisations | The program deadline varies |
| Coyote Beginnings Scholarship | UG | $4,000 | based on high school GPA | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
| Coyote Beginnings Grant | UG | $1,500–$2,500 | based on qualifying SAT/ACT scores | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
| International Transfer Scholarship | UG | $3,000/year | from U.S. institutions with a GPA of 3.0 or higher | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
| Global Community Scholarship | UG | $2,000 | Commitment to global engagement and community involvement | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
| Presidential Alumni Scholarship | UG | $9,000 | High academic achievement | Fall: June 1, 2025 |
The University of South Dakota (USD) provides international students with a supportive and career-focused educational environment. With a placement rate of approximately 97% for graduates, USD emphasises career guidance through its Centre for Career Design, offering services like resume reviews, mock interviews, and career counselling. The Gallagher International Centre assists international students with visa compliance and offers guidance on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. USD’s affordable tuition and scholarship opportunities further enhance its appeal to international students seeking quality education and promising career prospects.
Ques: How many international students are enrolled at USD?
Ques: What housing options are available for students at USD?
