South Dakota State University vs. Southern Utah University

Comparable Facts

Compare South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD with Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Utah University is larger than South Dakota State University based on total student enrollment (15,444 students vs. 12,056 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting); Southern Utah University is in Cedar City, UT (Remote Town setting).
• South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Utah University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: South Dakota State University 17:1; Southern Utah University 22:1.

South Dakota State University vs. Southern Utah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, South Dakota State University or Southern Utah University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Southern Utah University than South Dakota State University ($11,840 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Utah University are 9.2% lower than at South Dakota State University ($9,236 vs. $10,176).
• South Dakota State University is 33.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Utah University (about $2,337 more per year; $9,299.00 vs. $6,962.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.4% higher at Southern Utah University than at South Dakota State University (about $8,383 more per year; $21,192.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University as at Southern Utah University (94% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Utah University students is 118.6% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($9,779 vs. $4,474).

South Dakota State University vs. Southern Utah University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, South Dakota State University or Southern Utah University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Southern Utah University and South Dakota State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Dakota State University (1150) is 10 points higher than at Southern Utah University (1140).
• Incoming Southern Utah University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at South Dakota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Dakota State University 1060/1240; Southern Utah University 1030/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Dakota State University 19/25; Southern Utah University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: South Dakota State University - Test optional; Southern Utah University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Utah University Sep 8, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Southern Utah University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at South Dakota State University (3.53).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Southern Utah University (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.1% at South Dakota State University vs. 13.7% at Southern Utah University.

South Dakota State University vs. Southern Utah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for South Dakota State University and Southern Utah University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Southern Utah University's (35%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Southern Utah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $43,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have a $12,541 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($12,575 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, Southern Utah University graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($130 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Utah University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.