
The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public institution founded in 1862 with a campus size of 274 acres. In 2023, USD had a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,095. However, in 2024, USD reported a new all-time record in overall headcount, with 10,619 students enrolled—a 7.6% increase from the previous year. This increase in student population has prompted the university to plan for additional housing options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2023) | 7,095 |
| Campus size | 274 acres |
| In-state tuition fees (2022) | $9,432 |
| Out-of-state tuition fees (2022) | $12,942 |
| Median undergraduate tuition (2022) | $7,773 |
| Average net price after grants and loans (2022) | $18,378 |
| Percentage of students receiving financial aid through grants (2022) | 57% |
| Percentage of students receiving financial aid through loans (2022) | 43% |
| Most common Bachelor's Degree (2022) | Registered Nursing (163 degrees awarded) |
| Second most common Bachelor's Degree (2022) | General Health Services (78 degrees) |
| Third most common Bachelor's Degree (2022) | General Business Administration & Management (73 degrees) |
| Overall headcount (Fall 2024) | 10,619 |
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What You'll Learn

The University of South Dakota has 10,619 students enrolled in 2024
The University of South Dakota (USD) has seen a record-breaking year for enrolment, with an all-time high of 10,619 students enrolled in 2024. This reflects a 7.6% increase compared to 2023, when 9,868 students were enrolled. USD also welcomed its largest-ever entering class of first-time, full-time undergraduate students, with 1,371 enrolled. This surge in student numbers has prompted the university to consider new housing options. USD's Vice President for Enrollment, Scott Pohlson, has stated that the university's growth is not limited to one programme, but several key areas that will strengthen South Dakota's workforce.
The University of South Dakota is a public higher education institution located in Clay County, SD. Founded in 1862, it has a campus size of 274 acres and a semester-based academic calendar. The median undergraduate tuition for 2022 was $7,773, which is significantly lower than the national average for Doctoral Universities. In the same year, 57% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 43% received aid through loans.
In 2022, the most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations at USD were Registered Nursing (with 163 degrees awarded), General Health Services (78 degrees), and General Business Administration & Management (73 degrees). In the same year, 43% of students graduating from USD completed their program within the "normal time" (i.e. four years for a four-year degree). The University of South Dakota's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #273.
South Dakota State University, a separate institution, had an enrollment of 12,065 in fall 2024, with students from 47 states and 77 countries. It is the state's largest higher education institution, offering 88 majors, 37 specializations, 106 minors, 38 master's degree programs, 16 Ph.D. programs, and two professional doctorates.
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The most popular Bachelor's Degree is Registered Nursing
The University of South Dakota is a public institution with a campus size of 274 acres, located in Vermillion, South Dakota. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,095 students as of Fall 2023. The student-faculty ratio is 16:1, and the freshmen retention rate is 77%. The University of South Dakota offers various academic programs, including certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.
The most popular bachelor's degree at the University of South Dakota is in the field of Registered Nursing. This program prepares students for a career in nursing and provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care, promote health, and prevent disease. The nursing program at the University of South Dakota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is highly regarded in the state and the region.
The Registered Nursing program at the University of South Dakota offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics in nursing and healthcare. Students in this program gain a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice, including courses such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing research, and evidence-based practice. They also receive clinical training in various healthcare settings, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations under the supervision of experienced nurses and faculty members.
The University of South Dakota's nursing program emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and cultural competence. Students are taught to provide holistic care that considers the physical, emotional, and cultural needs of their patients. Additionally, the program encourages community engagement and service, preparing graduates to make a positive impact in their future workplaces and communities.
Graduates of the Registered Nursing program at the University of South Dakota are well-prepared for their careers and are sought-after by healthcare employers in the region. The university's strong relationships with local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations provide valuable networking and employment opportunities for its nursing graduates. Furthermore, the program's focus on patient safety, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration ensures that its alumni are well-equipped to work effectively in diverse healthcare teams.
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57% of students received financial aid in 2022
The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public higher education institution located in Clay County, South Dakota. It was founded in 1862 and has a campus size of 274 acres. In 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,095 students.
In 2022, 57% of undergraduate students at the University of South Dakota received financial aid through grants. This means that more than half of the undergraduate students at the university benefited from financial assistance to help cover their tuition and other expenses. The university's median undergraduate tuition that year was $7,773, which is significantly lower than the national average for Doctoral Universities. After accounting for grants and loans, the average net price for students was $18,378.
The availability of financial aid is an important factor for many students when considering their higher education options. With the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses, a college education can be a significant financial burden for students and their families. By offering financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, and loans, universities can help make their programs more accessible to students from a range of economic backgrounds.
At the University of South Dakota, the majority of financial aid recipients in 2022 received assistance through grants rather than loans. Grants are a preferable form of financial aid because they do not need to be repaid, unlike loans which can burden students with debt after they graduate. The university's relatively low tuition costs and the availability of financial aid can make it a more affordable option for students, especially when compared to other Doctoral Universities.
In addition to financial aid, the University of South Dakota also offers a range of academic programs and support services to attract and retain students. The university has seen a record-breaking year for enrollment in 2024, with an overall headcount of 10,619 students, reflecting a 7.6% increase from the previous year. This growth can be attributed to the university's commitment to providing a high-quality liberal arts education at a manageable cost, as well as its efforts to meet the housing and program needs of its diverse student population.
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The University's ranking in the 2025 Best Colleges list is #273
The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public institution founded in 1862. It has a campus size of 274 acres and offers a semester-based academic calendar. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is #273 among National Universities. This ranking is based on performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
USD has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a record-breaking overall headcount of 10,619 students enrolled in the fall of 2024. This reflects a 7.6% increase compared to fall 2023, when the university had 9,868 students. USD also welcomed its largest-ever entering class of first-time, full-time undergraduate students in 2024, with 1,371 enrolled. The university's Sioux Falls campus has seen a notable increase in enrollment, with a 17.2% rise since last year.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with the most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations in 2022 being Registered Nursing (with 163 degrees awarded), General Health Services (78 degrees), and General Business Administration & Management (73 degrees). In the same year, 528 more women than men received degrees from USD, and the most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was white (1,811 degrees awarded).
Regarding tuition and fees, USD's in-state tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $9,432, while out-of-state tuition is $12,942. These costs are significantly lower than the national average for Doctoral Universities. In 2022, the median undergraduate tuition at USD was $7,773, and 57% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 43% received aid through loans.
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The University's campus size is 274 acres
The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public institution founded in 1862. It has a large campus of 274 acres. This extensive campus size enables USD to accommodate a substantial student population and provides ample space for a diverse range of academic, extracurricular, and social activities.
The university's campus size is a significant factor in its ability to cater to a large number of students. With 274 acres of land, USD has the capacity to provide a wide array of facilities and resources to support the educational pursuits and overall student experience. The campus layout is carefully designed to include various academic buildings, lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, and student support services.
The 274-acre campus also allows for a variety of extracurricular activities and student organizations. USD can dedicate spaces for athletic fields, sports complexes, student clubs, and performance venues. This extensive campus size ensures that students have numerous opportunities to pursue their interests outside the classroom and develop a well-rounded educational experience.
In addition to academic and extracurricular spaces, the campus size contributes to the overall student experience by providing areas for social interaction and community building. The campus likely features green spaces, outdoor gathering areas, and student lounges where students can socialize, relax, and form meaningful connections with their peers. This aspect of campus life is essential for fostering a sense of community and creating a supportive environment for students during their time at USD.
The University of South Dakota's 274-acre campus is not just a collection of buildings and facilities; it represents a vibrant hub of academic excellence, extracurricular engagement, and community building. This expansive campus size allows USD to cater to a diverse range of student interests and needs, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the educational journey for its student population. The campus size is a key factor in USD's ability to provide a well-rounded and enriching educational experience for its students, as evidenced by its recent record-breaking enrollment numbers.
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Frequently asked questions
As of fall 2024, there are 10,619 students enrolled at the University of South Dakota.
In fall 2023, 9,868 students were enrolled at the University of South Dakota.
The current enrollment reflects an increase of 751 students compared to last year. This represents a 7.6% increase.
For fall 2023, the University of South Dakota had an undergraduate enrollment of 7,095 students.
The University of South Dakota is not the largest university in the state. South Dakota State University, for example, had an enrollment of 12,065 students in fall 2024.











































