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Vermillion, South Dakota · Public, town campus

University of South Dakota SAT & ACT scores

Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 1125-1315. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 19-25. University of South Dakota admitted 99% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).

SAT middle 50%
1125-1315
ACT middle 50%
19-25
Acceptance rate
99%
Test policy, fall 2024
Test-optional
Undergraduates
5,439

Quick answer

What SAT score do you need for University of South Dakota?

There is no published minimum. Aim for 1315 or higher to sit in the top quarter of University of South Dakota's SAT submitters; 1125 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 59% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.

Score check

Where does your score land at University of South Dakota?

The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.

Fall 2024 entering class

University of South Dakota SAT and ACT score ranges

Score percentiles of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores
Measure25th percentile50th percentile75th percentile
SAT Reading and Writing530570620
SAT Math595635695
SAT total (estimated)112512051315
ACT composite192225

Math runs higher than Reading and Writing here: the top quarter of submitters starts at 695 in Math but 620 in Reading and Writing.

College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1125.

Testing policy

Does University of South Dakota require the SAT or ACT?

Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional

University of South Dakota told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.

Check the current cycle

Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on University of South Dakota's website before deciding whether to submit.

Beyond scores

Cost and outcomes at University of South Dakota

In-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$9,432
Out-of-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$12,942
Average net price after aid (2023-24)
$19,858
First-year retention rate
79%
Graduation rate within 6 years
60%
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$51,926

Compare

Colleges with similar score ranges

University of North Carolina at GreensboroNC · SAT 1150-1355University of Nebraska at OmahaNE · ACT 19-26University of Wisconsin-Green BayWI · ACT 18-24Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaPA · ACT 16-28Colorado State University PuebloCO · ACT 19-26Tuskegee UniversityAL · ACT 18-25

Similar colleges in South Dakota

Mount Marty UniversityACT 18-25South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologySAT 1140-1340Augustana UniversitySAT 1150-1370South Dakota State UniversitySAT 1060-1240Dakota State UniversitySAT 1190-1440Black Hills State UniversitySAT 965-1135

Browse all South Dakota colleges by SAT score, colleges for a 1100 SAT or a 1300 SAT, or colleges for a 19 ACT.

Plan your prep

Turn a target score into a plan

What is a good SAT score?Build your SAT study planSAT section-score goal plannerScore Choice and superscoring

FAQ

University of South Dakota admissions questions

What SAT score do you need to get into University of South Dakota?

University of South Dakota does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 1125 and 1315 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1315 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 1125 marks the bottom quarter.

What ACT score do you need for University of South Dakota?

Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 19 to 25, with a median of 22. Scoring 25 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.

Does University of South Dakota require the SAT or ACT?

For fall 2024 entry, University of South Dakota reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on University of South Dakota's admissions website before you apply.

What is University of South Dakota's acceptance rate?

University of South Dakota admitted 99% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from

Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.

Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.

Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.

Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].