Overview
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a university located in the Mount Rushmore region. The institution was founded in 1885 to train students in the skilled trade of mining, and now offers a variety disciplines in the sciences. SD Mines features various research programs that focus on clean energy production, one of which explores the impacts of sustainable fracking. SD Mines is also home to the Museum of Geology, which exhibits paleontology and mineralogy artifacts like rare fossils and crystals. The campus also has the 33,000 square foot James E. Martin Paleontology Research Laboratory, which houses more than 500,000 specimens. The collections include mineralogy/petrology, paleobotany, invertebrate paleontology, micropaleontology, biology, and vertebrate paleontology.
Acceptance Rate:
83%
Average Net Price:
$19,815
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average GPA
3.6
Average ACT Composite
26
Average SAT Composite
1266
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $10,400 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $14,800 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $8,800 |
| Books and Supplies | $1900 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
Aid & Grants
0
100
71%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
16%
Average Aid Per Year
$5,431
16%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$3,428
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$3,898
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
20%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$1281
49%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$3,428
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$4,876,747
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$716,137
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
55%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$7,854
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,500
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$258
Students receiving federal loans
54%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,083
Average Other Loans Per Year
$12,411
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
1514
Students Applied
66%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
98
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
No
SAT Subject Tests
Yes
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Regular Decision | February 15 |
Rolling Admissions
The college has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted any time throughout the year.
Application Fee
$20
Applications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
81%
Submitting ACT
26%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 26
Average SAT Composite: 1266
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.6
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Students Enrolled By Household Income
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
2,492
Total Number of Undergrads
2,163
0
100
19%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
50%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
12:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
Learning Options
- ROTC Army
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
29
Faculty Overview
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Small city
US States Represented
42
Countries Represented
27
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
18%
Student Organizations
105
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
40%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
60%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Grubby
School Colors
old gold and navy blue
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Total Male Athletes
193
Total Female Athletes
61
Intramural Sports
3
Sports Club
9
Sports Team (Men)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Track and Field
- Other
Sports Team (Women)
- Basketball
- Cheerleading-Dance Team
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
- Other
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$62,400
Top 5 Cities
Rapid City
Denver
Minneapolis
Sioux Falls
Houston
Top 5 Employers
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rockwell Collins
Boeing
Caterpillar Inc.
Cargil
Top 5 Sectors
Engineering
Operations
Business Devloment
Information Technology
Research
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,500
Loan Default Rate
4%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$258
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingI have already gained alot of knowledge and it's only the end of the first semester. I'm studying for geology and took earth science in high school so I expected that I would know most of what we learned in physical geology but I really learned a lot more. The teachers are very helpful and get to know you since it's a small school. The laptop program helps because you can find notes and power points for your classes on the system.
Rebecca from Rapid City, SD
A top school in the country for engineering.
Joseph from Elkhorn, NE
The professors are excellent in communicating the lessons and getting every detail that needs to be known. The Tablet PC that comes with tuition increases the potential to learn because of all the programs installed on them and the all-campus wi-fi.
Patrick from Aurora, CO
In my first semester, I've learned more than the past four years of High School! And that means a lot! I was one of those kids that glided through High School, bored and did well with very little effort, but it's hard to learn when you can't get interested! In one semester, SDSM&T has turned me from a High School drone into a College student!
Paul B. from Spearfish, SD
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a competitive and nurturing school. Anyone who wants to not only learn but also be mentally challenged by their peers and professors should apply to this school. Class sizes are easily manageable, the professors are genuine, and the student body is unlike anything I've ever been introduced to.
Cora from Rapid City, SD
This college can provide an excellent education in math, science, or engineering for a great price. However, you have to want that degree, as some of the classes are extremely challenging. Most professors go above and beyond at SDSMT, and help is always available through many different sources.
Beth from Colorado Springs, CO
Smaller school/class size creates a great opportunity to receive personalized education.
Excellent high-paying job opportunities while in school and after graduation.
Excellent opportunity to meet other high performing individuals and faculty.
Excellent high-paying job opportunities while in school and after graduation.
Excellent opportunity to meet other high performing individuals and faculty.
John from Evergreen, CO
This school is almost a guaranteed way of learning everything you need to and more concerning your major, getting a great job with a great starting salary, and meeting new and interesting people. The people are generally all concerned about doing their best and learning everything they can to assist them in their future. Most of the staff share in the interest of their students' futures and are sure to help you to understand and do well, figure out exactly which major/area of study is right for you, and even get through all the new social situations that come along with starting college.
Anonymous
There is certainly a great deal to learn in order to obtain one of the many math and science based majors offered by South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. After having completed only two semesters, I believe I have advanced significantly in my field of study. This is a school where you can expect to get the most out of your classes and your studies.
Matthew from Hill City, SD
Similar Colleges
Spearfish, SD
Brookings, SD
Vermillion, SD
Laramie, WY
Boulder, CO
Golden, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Ames, IA
Houghton, MI
Minneapolis, MN
Rolla, MO
Bozeman, MT
