South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public institution located in Rapid City, SD, offering 32 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. Graduates from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology report median earnings of $72,257 ten years after entry, reflecting strong career outcomes.

Key Facts

  • 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $10,400
  • 2024 Average Net Price: $20,380 After Financial Aid
  • 2024 Acceptance Rate: 85.25% Moderate Selectivity
  • 2024 Enrolled Students: 2,042 N/A% Full-Time
  • 2024 Graduation Rate: 58.17%
  • Average SAT Score: 1245

Costs

Tuition Costs

$10,400
2024 Undergraduate Tuition

In 2024, the cost of tuition at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was $10,400.

Tuition comparison with similar institutions.

Average Net Price

$20,380
2024 Value

In 2024 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $20,380.

Average net price comparison with similar institutions.

Total Cost of Attendance

$81,520 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost

$20,380 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)

$41,600 4-Year In-State Tuition

$59,200 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition

Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.

4-year total cost breakdown for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Financial Aid by Income Level

15.95% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants

43.27% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans

Financial aid distribution by income level.

Student Loan Default Rate

Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)

The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.

Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

85.25% Acceptance Rate

This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.

Acceptance rate compared to national average.

Test Scores

SAT Average: 1245

Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.

Academic Requirements

Estimated GPA Range: 3.3 - 3.5

Estimated Median GPA: 3.40

Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.

Estimated GPA and test score ranges.

Enrollment

Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment

N/A% Full-Time Enrollment

The total enrollment at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 2024 is 2,042 students.

Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.

Retention Rate over Time

N/A%
2024 Retention Rate

Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.

Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.

Graduates & Outcomes

Time to Complete

26.91% 100% Completion Time

58.17% 150% Completion Time

In 2024, 26.91% of students graduating from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology completed their program within 100% "normal time".

Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.

ROI & Programs

Financial value and program information for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Return on Investment

$27,000 Median Student Debt

$72,257 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)

37.37% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio

786.37% Return on Investment

3.7 years Estimated Payback Period

Financial value analysis for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Top Programs by Completions

10 Programs Reporting Data

Mechanical Engineering: 93 completions

CIP 14.0801: 48 completions

CIP 14.3501: 42 completions

CIP 14.0701: 36 completions

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services: 35 completions

Electrical & Electronics Engineering: 32 completions

Engineering - 14.2001: 29 completions

CIP 14.2101: 23 completions

Area Studies: 22 completions

Other/Unknown Programs: 502 completions

Most popular programs at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Employment Outcomes

$62,863 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)

$66,297 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)

$72,257 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)

Earnings outcomes for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates.

About

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a public institution located in Rapid City, SD, offering 32 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 2,042 students. The admission rate is 85.25%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1245. The institution maintains a 58.17% graduation rate. Approximately 15.95% of students receive Pell Grants.

Institution Type

Public

Location

Rapid City, SD 57701-3995

Region: Plains

Insights and Analysis

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology provides educational opportunities for students seeking higher education. Prospective students should carefully evaluate all factors including costs, outcomes, and program offerings when making their enrollment decisions.

Data Sources

This page uses data from the following sources:

  • College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
    • Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
    • Employment and wage data by occupation
    • Latest data: May 2024
    • Source: bls.gov/oes
  • O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
    • Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
    • Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
    • Source: onetcenter.org
  • IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
    • Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
  • Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
    • Demographic and workforce data
    • Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
    • Source: census.gov/acs

Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.

Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.

Methodology

Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.

All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.