The University of South Dakota (USD), located in Vermillion, South Dakota, is a public institution known for its accessible admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), USD reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 99.5%, reflecting its commitment to providing educational opportunities to a wide range of applicants. This high acceptance rate is influenced by factors such as a moderate applicant pool size and the university's mission to serve students across the region. While USD does publish some admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, detailed breakdowns for specific categories like early action or international students are not always publicly available.
Over the past few years, USD's acceptance rate has remained relatively stable, hovering near 99%, indicating consistent accessibility rather than increasing competitiveness. Unlike more selective institutions, USD does not emphasize early decision or action as a significant factor in admissions. Compared to peer public universities in the Midwest, such as the University of North Dakota, USD's selectivity is similarly low, prioritizing inclusivity over exclusivity. For international students, while specific data is scarce, anecdotal evidence suggests a welcoming approach, though language proficiency and financial documentation may impact admission outcomes. For the most accurate and up-to-date statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the USD Admissions website.
