The University of South Dakota was founded in 1862 by the Dakota Territorial Legislature which authorized the establishment of the University at Vermillion.
The authorization was unfunded, however, and classes did not begin until 20 years later under the auspices of the privately incorporated University of Dakota, created with support from the citizens of Clay County.
University of South Dakota Tuition And Fees
Undergraduate Tuition
University of South Dakota tuition is $7,697 per year for in-state residents. This is 3% more expensive than the national average public four-year tuition of $7,460. The cost is 43% cheaper than the average South Dakota tuition of $13,422 for 4-year colleges.
Tuition ranks 8th in South Dakota amongst 4-year colleges for affordability and is the 11th most expensive 4-year college in the state. If attending from out-of-state, the tuition is $11,172 which represents a 45% premium.
The school charges an additional fee of $1,635 in addition to tuition bringing the total effective in-state tuition to $9,332.
Housing Costs
On-campus room and board is provided by the school at a cost of $8,410 per academic year. Students electing to live off campus elsewhere in Vermillion should budget at least this amount.
Books and Supplies
The estimated annual cost for books and supplies is $1,200.
Other Living Expenses
If living on-campus, students should budget for $4,560 in additional living expenses. Off-campus students should budget for $5,928 in other miscellaneous living expenses.
Total Costs
The total tuition and living expense budget for in-state South Dakota residents to go to USD is $23,502 for the 2020/2021 academic year. Out-of-state students who don’t have South Dakota residence can expect a one-year cost of $26,977.
Citation: Price data from the U.S. Department of Education’s 2020 IPEDS survey response for the University of South Dakota represent reported costs for the 2020-2021 academic year.
| Estimated Budgets | |
|---|---|
| South Dakota Resident Total Budget | $23,502 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,697 |
| Other Fees | $1,635 |
| Room and Board | $8,410 |
| On-Campus Other Budget | $4,560 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Non-Resident Total Budget | $26,977 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,172 |
| Other Fees | $1,635 |
| Room and Board | $8,410 |
| On-Campus Other Budget | $4,560 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |