South Dakota School of Mines & Technology: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

In 2023, the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, also known as South Dakota School, secured its global rankings in the field of higher education. According to QS World University Rankings, the institution was positioned in the range of #251-300 worldwide. 

Simultaneously, Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed it in the bracket of #601-800 globally. The rankings reflect the university's commitment to excellence, considering factors like academic reputation, faculty ratios, and research output, underscoring its leadership in engineering, science, and technology education.

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SD Mines) has a well-organized admission procedure designed to identify and embrace students who meet its academic criteria. For those aspiring to enroll in undergraduate programs, it is essential to comply with and fulfill the subsequent admission criteria:

Academic Requirements: 

Incoming Freshmen:

• Aim for a high school GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Complete specific coursework prerequisites in English, mathematics, laboratory science, social science, and fine arts.

Transfer Students (Fewer than 24 semester credits):

• Meet criteria similar to incoming freshmen.

Transfer Students (24 or more credits):

• Maintain a minimum college GPA of 2.75.

1. Testing or Alternative: Prospective students can demonstrate College algebra readiness through standardized tests like ACT or SAT, college math course completion, or Accuplacer exam scores. Alternatively, being designated as a South Dakota Regents’ Scholar can qualify applicants.
2. Application: To initiate the application process, access the official website of the university. There, you'll have the opportunity to seamlessly fill out and electronically submit your application.
3. Application Fee: It's important for potential students to note that SD Mines might necessitate an application fee, albeit the precise fee amount is unspecified in the source. We advise checking the official university website or contacting the Office of Admissions for the latest details on application fees.
4. Deadlines: SD Mines operates on a rolling admissions system, meaning there is no fixed application deadline. However, it's advisable to apply well in advance of the desired term to ensure timely processing.

 Prospective students can find more information and check admission requirements on the official SD Mines website or contact the Office of Admissions for the latest criteria.

Documents Required for South Dakota School 

Documents Required for Admission at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology:

Freshman Applicants:

• High school GPA of at least 2.75
• High school coursework completion
• Proof of College Algebra-readiness

Transfer Applicants (with < 24 semester credits):

• Cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Proof of college algebra readiness 

Transfer Applicants (with ≥ 24 semester credits):

• Cumulative college GPA meeting university standards
• Proof of college algebra readiness 

Readmit Students:

• Admission application
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended since leaving
• Additional documentation if the name changed
• $20 fee if interrupted attendance by 3 semesters 

Non-Degree Seeking Students:

• Undergraduate application
• Limited to 30 credit hours without becoming degree-seeking
• May need to submit previous college transcripts
• Not eligible for financial aid 

Exam Requirements for South Dakota School 

To gain admission to the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, various exams and their corresponding score requirements are necessary, including English proficiency exams for international applicants.

For Freshman Applicants, standardized tests like the ACT or SAT are required. A minimum ACT math sub-score of 20/520 or an equivalent SAT score is expected for college algebra readiness. 

Additionally, English proficiency can be demonstrated through an ACT English sub-test score of 18 or higher or an AP English score of 3 or above.

For Transfer Applicants, a cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher is essential. While specific standardized tests aren't mentioned for transfer students, they should provide proof of college algebra readiness.

International applicants are required to submit English proficiency exam scores. The university accepts scores from exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. 

Nonetheless, the precise score criteria for these examinations might not be detailed in the source material. It is advisable to consult the official website of the university for the latest information on English proficiency score prerequisites.

Nestled near the breathtaking Black Hills, the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology graces Rapid City, South Dakota, with its picturesque campus. South Dakota School, students can immerse themselves in an environment of cutting-edge facilities, complemented by attractions like the APEX Gallery and the Museum of Geology.

For student accommodations, the campus offers a range of choices, ensuring everyone can find their ideal living space. Options include Connolly Hall, Palmerton Hall, Peterson Hall, and Placer Hall, making it convenient for students to select a residence that suits their preferences and needs. 

Additionally, there are apartment-style accommodations in Rocker Square I and Rocker Square II. The cost of on-campus housing varies based on occupancy type, with options for single, double/triple, quad, and more. Here's a table summarizing the accommodation costs:

Accommodation Type	Cost per Semester (USD)
Single Occupancy	2,324
Double/Triple Occupancy	1,945
Quad	2,176
Deluxe/Study Quad	2,335
Placer Double Suite	2,510
Placer Single Suite	2,885
Rocker Square Apartment I	3,398
Rocker Square Apartment II	3,276

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology provides a flexible cost structure for your educational journey, which depends on various factors. These elements include your residency status and your academic pursuit, whether you are an undergraduate (UG) or a postgraduate (PG) student. In the following sections, we provide a comprehensive overview of tuition expenses for both UG and PG courses, as well as additional living expenses.

Undergraduate Program Fees (2023-24)

Program	In-State Tuition & Fees	Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
Engineering	$10,400	$14,800
Computer Science	$10,400	$14,800
Geology	$10,400	$14,800
Mathematics	$10,400	$14,800
Physics	$10,400	$14,800

Postgraduate Program Fees (2023-24)

Program	In-State Tuition & Fees	Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
Master's in Engineering	$12,000	$17,000
Master's in Computer Science	$12,000	$17,000
Master's in Geology	$12,000	$17,000
Master's in Mathematics	$12,000	$17,000
Master's in Physics	$12,000	$17,000

Cost of Living Expenses (2023-24)

Expense	Annual Cost
Accommodation	$10,200
Books and Supplies	Variable
Transportation	Variable
Personal Expenses	Variable

 

• The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology provides diverse scholarship opportunities to support students in their educational journey:
• Mines Merit Scholarship Program offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,000, rewarding academic excellence, and eligibility is determined by ACT or SAT scores.
• NSF S-STEM SD-FIRST Scholarships: This initiative supports first-generation students, offering scholarships of up to $5,000 annually based on financial need determined by the FAFSA.
• Athletic Scholarships: South Dakota Mines adheres to NCAA regulations for awarding athletic scholarships, ensuring students can balance their athletic and academic commitments.
• For students facing financial need, need-based scholarships are available through FAFSA without requiring a separate application. Our dedication to accessibility ensures that financial barriers do not hinder educational opportunities.

These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of attending South Dakota Mines and make quality education accessible to a diverse range of students.