South Dakota's flagship public research university, home to the state's only medical and law schools.
USD offers over 200 undergraduate and 75 graduate programs across seven colleges and schools: College of Arts and Sciences, Beacom School of Business, School of Education, College of Fine Arts, School of Health Sciences, Knudson School of Law, and Sanford School of Medicine. The university maintains a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and is classified as an R2 Doctoral University with high research activity. Notable academic strengths include the state's only medical and law schools, continuous AACSB accreditation for the business school since 1949, and extensive research opportunities across multiple disciplines.
The main Vermillion campus spans 274 acres along the Missouri River bluffs and features iconic buildings like Old Main (built 1883, restored 1997), the Al Neuharth Media Center, and the renovated South Dakota Union. Modern facilities include a $15 million wellness center (opened 2011), the DakotaDome (South Dakota's only domed football stadium), and the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. USD operates satellite campuses in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Yankton. Student life includes over 200 organizations, active Greek life, and the Dakota Days homecoming tradition dating to 1914.
USD offers multiple admission pathways including undergraduate, graduate, international, law school, and medical school admissions. The university provides flexible enrollment options through USD-Sioux Falls (non-residential satellite campus), USD-Online, dual credit programs, and accelerated options. International students comprise 4% of the undergraduate population. Specific admission requirements and deadlines are available through the university's admissions portal.
USD ranks #273 nationally in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best National Universities and #152 among top public schools. The university has produced 17 Truman Scholars, 12 Rhodes Scholars, and 1 Nobel Laureate (Ernest Lawrence, Physics 1939). Notable alumni include Tom Brokaw (NBC anchor), Al Neuharth (USA Today founder), U.S. Senator John Thune, and U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson. The endowment stands at $338.6 million as of 2025.