South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

School Overview

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is located in Rapid City, SD, 57701, set within a city environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #20 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has an acceptance rate of 80%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1140-1340 and ACT scores of 24-30. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.6.

With just 2,219 undergraduates, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 36% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 25%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology include Mechanical Engineering (24% of students, median early-career salary: $89,548), Computer and Information Sciences, General (10% of students, median early-career salary: $103,595), and Civil Engineering, General (9% of students, median early-career salary: $77,157). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $10,900. However, the average net price after financial aid is $21,282, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with South Dakota School of Mines and Technology's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.