Vermillion , South Dakota , United States
Total Students
National Ranking
Welcome to USD, South Dakota’s flagship university. We may have been around since 1862, but we’re embracing the future through innovative research, flexible schedules and real-life learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
Join the more than 9,000 students getting their education at affordable rates, and you’ll get that “big university feel” without that big university price tag.
The University of South Dakota offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs within the South Dakota System of Higher Education. As the oldest university in the state, the University of South Dakota serves as the flagship and the only public liberal arts university in the state.
Our students are engaged, thoughtful, and well-prepared for a global and complex world. The experience in and out of the classroom is robust, experiential, and practical. Lives are enhanced and changed by the breadth of experiences we provide.
We strive to make a USD education affordable to every qualified student by operating efficiently and effectively with high quality standards to minimize financial barriers to a life-changing experience.
We communicate frequently with our stakeholders, both internal and external. Our communication processes are informative, agile, and transparent. Our brand and identity are authentic, clear, and understood by all our stakeholders. People know who we are, what we do, and the connections we make to serve the citizens of South Dakota, members of tribal nations, the region, and the world.
We are community partners and neighbors who value the strength of our community. We invest in our people and strive to achieve appropriate levels of compensation and recognition. We value our employees and invest in their professional development. All employees play an important role in creating the USD experience.
Community is one of our strengths. We are proud of our caring culture and embrace the uniqueness of our students, faculty and staff. We provide opportunities so all feel welcome here.
We have a process for modernizing and upgrading our facilities so they can be fully utilized by our students, faculty, staff, and community. We leverage our technology resources to provide a flexible and adaptable learning and research experience.
In 1862, the first Legislature of the Dakota Territory established the first postsecondary institution in the Dakotas, although classes were not held until 20 years later.
With Ephraim Epstein serving as the first president and primary faculty member, the university that would become USD began holding classes in a loaned space in downtown Vermillion. Sixty-nine students were enrolled at USD in 1883; by the time South Dakota became the 40th state in 1889, that number had grown to 500.
In 1883, the university moved into Old Main, a public board was appointed to govern it, and the first academic unit — the College of Arts & Sciences — was established.
The School of Law began offering classes in 1901; the School of Medicine in 1907; Continuing Education in 1916; the Graduate School and School of Business in 1927; and the College of Fine Arts in 1931.
Today, USD is one of six public colleges governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents, a nine-member board appointed by the governor.
Founded in 1862 in Vermillion, South Dakota
Campus locations in Vermillion and Sioux Falls
Led by President Sheila Gestring since 2018
Total enrollment of 9,464 students, as of fall 2021
15:1 student-faculty ratio
More than 70,000 alumni
Campus and Community
USD’s beautiful 274-acre campus in Vermillion sits along the bluffs above the Missouri River in southeast South Dakota. From the historic beauty of Old Main to the cutting-edge technology housed in the Lee Medicine & Science Building, you’ll experience a mix of the traditional and contemporary on the University of South Dakota campus.
Since its inception in 1862, USD has called the small, safe city of Vermillion home. As both grow in size and population, the campus and the city continue to enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship that helps foster innovation and creates exciting opportunities for both students and residents.
USD offers a number of premier programs in Sioux Falls, designed to meet the growing needs of South Dakota's largest and fastest growing communities. Here you'll find USD – Sioux Falls and the Sanford USD Medical Center.
Statistical Highlights
Annual Fall Stat Highlights - Institutional Research
Accreditation: Continuously accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1913.
Enrollment (Fall 2021)
Total Enrollment: 9,464
Undergraduate: 6,987
Graduate: 1,980
Medicine: 270
Law: 227
Academic Programs
Undergraduate: 202 programs
Graduate: 84 programs
Student Organizations
There are more than 180 organizations and clubs, including social, sports, religious, pre-professional and hobby groups
On-Campus Housing
84% of new freshmen live on campus
34% of all undergraduates live on campus
Financial Aid Profile
Undergraduates receiving aid: Approximately 81%
Top Undergraduate Fields of Study
Nursing, Business, Health Sciences, Elementary Education, Kinesiology & Sport Management, Biology/Medical Biology, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Accounting and Media & Journalism
Faculty
Total Faculty: 431
With Highest Degree in Field: 75.2%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Alumni
More than 70,000 alumni
Finances (2017)
The University: $147.7 million
Medical School: $54.6 million
Homecoming Celebration
Dakota Days
Athletics
NCAA Division I ; Coyote Athletics website
Mascot: Charlie Coyote
Colors: Red and white
Men's Sports
Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field
Women's Sports
Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field, Triathlon, Volleyball
Colleges & Schools
Arts & Sciences
Business
Education
Fine Arts
Health Sciences
Medicine
Law
THE Ranking::
1001
QS Ranking::
251
Type of Accommodation::
On Campus
Annual Cost of living:
14000 USD / year
Average Annual UG Fee:
23154 USD
Average Annual PG Fee:
24768 USD
Application Fee:
N/A