1. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SD Mines)

Overview

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SD Mines), located in Rapid City, is a public university that specializes in engineering and science education. Known for its rigorous academic programs and strong industry partnerships, SD Mines offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering disciplines. The university is particularly well-regarded for its programs in mining, mechanical, and civil engineering, with many graduates going on to work in fields such as energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. SD Mines emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, co-ops, and research opportunities. With a high job placement rate and strong connections to the industry, SD Mines is a top choice for engineering students in the region.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #110 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 2,500+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 2,000

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Geological, Industrial, Mechanical, Metallurgical, Mining, and Software Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering fields, including Civil and Mechanical Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 84%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1150-1350 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Duane Clarridge – Former CIA officer and founder of the Counter-Terrorism Center.
• Paul B. Loyd Jr. – Oil and gas executive, former CEO of R&B Falcon Corporation.
• John T. Chain Jr. – Retired U.S. Air Force General and former CEO of RJR Nabisco.
• Gene Likens – Ecologist and co-discoverer of acid rain.
• Steven Zelditch – Mathematician known for his work in spectral geometry.

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2. South Dakota State University (SDSU)

Overview

South Dakota State University (SDSU), located in Brookings, is the largest university in South Dakota and offers a diverse range of engineering programs through its Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. SDSU provides students with a comprehensive education that includes opportunities for hands-on research, internships, and industry collaborations. The university’s strengths in agricultural, mechanical, and electrical engineering are complemented by its emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy. SDSU is also known for its research contributions in precision agriculture, environmental sustainability, and rural infrastructure development. The school’s close ties to local industries provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience in the field before graduation.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #182 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 11,500+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 1,700

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Agricultural, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Agricultural and Biosystems, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 88%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1070-1260 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 300+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Tom Daschle – Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader.
• Jim L. Seward – Former U.S. Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) and legal counsel.
• E. Y. Berry – Former U.S. Congressman from South Dakota.
• Brookings Smith – Entrepreneur and philanthropist, namesake of the city of Brookings.
• Bill Janklow – Former Governor of South Dakota and U.S. Congressman.

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3. University of South Dakota (USD)

Overview

The University of South Dakota (USD), located in Vermillion, is the state’s flagship liberal arts university. Although it is best known for its programs in law, business, and medicine, USD has recently expanded its engineering offerings, particularly in biomedical engineering. The Biomedical Engineering program at USD is growing in reputation, with a focus on developing technologies and innovations that improve healthcare outcomes. The program is part of the university’s strong ties to the healthcare industry, particularly through the USD Sanford School of Medicine and various research initiatives. USD provides students with access to modern laboratories and facilities, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration between engineering and healthcare.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (focus on biomedical)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 9,500+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 250 in Biomedical Engineering

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Biomedical Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Biomedical Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 86%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1050-1250 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Tom Brokaw – Legendary journalist and former anchor of NBC Nightly News.
• Al Neuharth – Founder of USA Today.
• Tim Johnson – Former U.S. Senator from South Dakota.
• James Abourezk – Former U.S. Senator and advocate for Native American rights.
• Pat O’Brien – Television host and sportscaster.

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4. Dakota State University (DSU)

Overview

Dakota State University (DSU), located in Madison, is a public university that specializes in technology-focused education. While DSU is best known for its programs in cybersecurity, computer science, and information systems, it also offers a growing engineering curriculum with a focus on computer engineering. The university’s Center for Cyber Operations and its close ties to government and industry make DSU an attractive option for students interested in the intersection of engineering and technology. Students at DSU benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and access to modern laboratories. DSU’s programs emphasize real-world applications and cybersecurity, preparing students for careers in high-demand technology fields.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (focus on technology and computer engineering)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 3,200+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 200 in Computer Engineering

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Computer Engineering, Cyber Operations.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s in Cyber Defense, Ph.D. in Cyber Operations (engineering-related).

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 85%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1040-1240 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (focus on undergraduate engineering).

Famous Alumni

• Dusty Johnson – U.S. Congressman for South Dakota.
• Daniel Ahlers – South Dakota State Senator and businessman.
• Tara Sweeney – Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Marsha Symens – President and CEO of Symens and Associates.
• Jeff Monroe – South Dakota State Representative and community leader.

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5. Augustana University

Overview

Augustana University, located in Sioux Falls, is a private liberal arts university that has recently expanded its offerings to include engineering programs. While primarily focused on the liberal arts, Augustana offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, which integrates the fundamentals of physics with practical engineering applications. Augustana’s program is ideal for students looking for a broad-based education that combines engineering with the liberal arts. The school is also known for its commitment to sustainability and ethics, encouraging students to approach engineering challenges with a focus on social responsibility and environmental stewardship. With small class sizes and close faculty-student interactions, Augustana provides a personalized learning experience.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): Unranked (focus on Engineering Physics)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 2,000+
• Engineering Students: Approximately 100 in Engineering Physics

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Engineering Physics.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 65%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1140-1320 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (focus on undergraduate programs).

Famous Alumni

• Mary Hart – Former host of Entertainment Tonight.
• Tommy Doyle – Former NFL player for the Washington Redskins.
• Dennis Daugaard – Former Governor of South Dakota.
• Gary Hanson – Chairman of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.
• Leigh Jeanotte – Educational leader and advocate for Native American students.