South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD, USA

Reviews

South Dakota State University

Joshua from Madison, SD

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
SDSU has a great environment set up for learning and getting to that boring part of college we all dread...studying. The fact that most of the people in my dorm (Matthews) were involved in the same things as I am meant they were in a lot of my classes which made it awesome when it came time to getting some work done! The student union is a fantastic quiet place to kick back, enjoy a cup of coffee and get some last minute studying done.
Am enjoying being here
I love the environment at SDSU - everyone is friendly and anyone can find a group with similar interests as himself or herself. (Almost) all the teachers are open to questions and are very very helpful.
Bang for the buck
You cannot possible beat the price SDSU has to offer. Not only does it cost easily under $13k to attend the college but the living expenses in South Dakota are just cheaper in general. This is a perfect place for any student on a tight budget.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to check out all the dorms, as some are newer (and much nicer) than the others. Matthews and Brown are both the top winners in my book.
Great for these types of students
Great for anyone on a tight budget or anyone involved in Engineering, Agriculture or the Math and Sciences.

Hannah from Comfrey, MN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I graduated with a class of 17, and I was really worried about how I would be able to handle learning at a college level, but SDSU is a great school for obtaining knowledge. Since I have been at school I feel like I have made the right choice for the career that I would like to pursue. I am currently a pre-nursing student who has made the Dean's list within the first semester of college. I feel that SDSU has great programs and they will only get better from here.
Am enjoying being here
I love the atmosphere at SDSU! They have so many activities for all types of people. They really encourage everyone to get out and be active. You can even join their University Program Council (UPC) as a freshman! The best part would be living in the dorms, it's like living in a hotel with friends.
Bang for the buck
SDSU is definitely worth your money. If you put in an honest effort to meet people and do well in school your more than likely going to succeed! SDSU sets you up so that you are guaranteed to have a job right after graduation.
Tips for prospective students
I would say it's best to find where you study best once you get to campus, since you will be using that place quite a bit. Also, it's less of a hassle when you order your books online instead of getting them from the bookstore, unless you want to wait 30-45min in line.
Great for these types of students
SDSU is a great school if your looking into Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Pre-Veterinary, and any other pre-professions. All around SDSU has very many different majors, you could change your mind 100 times and still have something to fall back on.

Sarah from Hartford, SD

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I enjoy classes at SDSU because the professors care about the students. It gives the place very much a small-town feeling. I would definitely rank the education that the Engineering college has to offer up there with some of the better known Engineering colleges across the country. Also at SDSU, I am able to make my degree unique by combining different technical electives.
Am enjoying being here
When I first stepped onto campus, I felt at home. The dorm life is set up well, so you can make many new friends and have new experiences. I live in a central part of campus, so it's always easy to find something to do but it's still easy to focus on my studies as well. I have been able to make more friends through organizations I've joined that interest me (SWE, HCSO, FOCUS). There is something here for everyone!
Bang for the buck
Even though tuition was slightly raised again, SDSU is still by far one of the most affordable institutions of its kind. A year of school costs just under $13,000 if you live on campus and buy your books through the university store. Because SDSU wants all students to get a good education, there are many scholarships and financial aid available to students. That's how I can afford school coming from a farming household. I feel I have definitely received my money's worth of an education.
Tips for prospective students
If you decide to live on campus the first year, make the most of it. There are so many opportunities on campus; you just have to put yourself out there and find something you like to do. Keep your door open when you're in your hall because it's easier to meet people that way. Get a flex meal plan if you want to eat somewhere other than Larson all the time. And usually when professors tell you to read something, you should. If you don't, it may come back to haunt you. It's no fun to try to catch up, so try to stay on top of your work. But most of all, have fun! College is suppose to be a good time.
Great for these types of students
Consider SDSU especially if you are interested in agriculture, engineering, pharmacy or nursing. The other programs are good as well. I chose SDSU as much for its programs as for its closeness to home. Anyone from SD, MN and some other surrounding states should consider SDSU for an affordable, quality education.

AKD

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
South Dakota State University is an ever growing college located in Brookings, South Dakota, just 45 minutes north of Sioux Falls. There are many different majors and opportunities available at SDSU. The campus is large, but walkable, professors are helpful and insightful and class sizes are generally small which really enhances the learning experience.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus and explore the different dorm options and meal plans. It is required to live on campus for the first two years of attendance so it is helpful to find a living situation that is the perfect fit for you!
Academic Rigor
It is difficult to rate academic rigor on a scale basis. As with most colleges, there are majors that consist of easy classes and there are majors that require more effort and contain difficult coursework.
Dorm Life
Although the dorm rooms are small, SDSU has made a conscious effort to increase not only the amount of dorms available to students, but also the quality. As of 2011, there were 3 brand new dorms on campus, and they are adding 3 more for this upcoming 2012 fall semester. You can choose to live either by yourself or with a roommate.
Food and Dining
SDSU has expanded the Student Union vastly since I first enrolled in 2010. There are coffee and bagel shops, cafeteria style as well as restaurant style dining options. As of this upcoming year they are also adding some popular fast food options to the Union.
What to do for fun
Dorms are the best way to meet friends at SDSU, there are many common television and living room areas that the students generally congregate in. Also, located within the basement of the Student Union is a game area with pool tables and dart boards. You can also rent bicycles and outdoor equipment there as well.
Bang for the buck
SDSU is becoming a well recognized public university, especially within the Midwest. Although tuition does continue to increase, it is still one of the most affordable education options out there. I am an out of state student and I pay half as much as I would have paid for the same degree in my home state.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Although our mascot is the Jackrabbit, our homecoming weekend is labeled Hobo Days and you will often see shirts and signs related to SDSU that refer to the student body as Hobos.
Great for these types of students
Any. SDSU used to be considered a agriculturally and wildlife/fisheries based school and although agricultural programs still thrive, it is also known for great engineering, pharmacy and nursing programs. SDSU is a D1 school with a large variety of sports, from equestrian and rodeo to baseball, basketball and soccer.
Clubs and Activities
Many clubs derive from specific majors but there is also a large multicultural center based within the Student Union, as well as many clubs based around religion, culture, politics, hobbies, charity, etc. Most clubs post information fliers around the Rotunda (where most of the freshman and large capacity classes are held). Intramural sports are also a popular activity for those who enjoy playing sports but don't want the commitment of playing on a collegiate team.
Greek Life
There are many different sororities and fraternities, but unlike some larger universities, Greek life is not the center of SDSU. It's equivalent to most of the clubs and activities on campus, if you seek it out you will find it and probably enjoy it.
Campus Safety
There were a couple of attacks in 2010, but the man was caught and he was not an SDSU student. Since, they have started programs around campus to better campus security. The dorms are locked past a certain time and only residents of that dorm can get into the building, there are also escorts you can call to walk around campus with you after dark if you don't feel safe. Overall the campus is well lit and the student body is friendly.

Katie from Brookings, SD

a past student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SDSU has small classes, so you can have one-on-one talks with the professors.
SDSU has all the resources you need, whether it's the computer lab, library, study areas, a huge gym, etc.
SDSU has a great staff that is full of friendly, generous people.
Tips for prospective students
Don't fret about all the applications you have to fill out. They usually process quickly, and all your troubles are soon gone!
Don't worry about meeting your new room mate, because they will probably be really nice!
Academic Rigor
The assignments for classes are usually drawn out so you won't be pounded with homework in one class--- that is unless you skip class. The teachers are very serious about their job and are really there for everybody's benefit.
Dorm Life
All dorms have the essential things you need like a bed with a mattress, a desk, and a dresser. The bathrooms are very clean. Most dorms have study areas where you can get away from your room mate if you so choose to have a little quiet time for studying.
Food and Dining
There's a wide variety of places to go. There are two common areas that have many food choices. Like a grill, java city, sandwich bar, and pizza. They have a system called Hobo Dough that is accepted at most restaurants around town, which is great because if you want to escape the campus for a while, you can still use your college funds to go out and have dinner with friends.
What to do for fun
There are volleyball courts, basketball courts, and even a frisbee golf park on campus. SDSU has many fields where people play football and other sports like that on. Not to mention their large running track, and up-to-date sidewalks.
Clubs and Activities
There are a wide variety of sports clubs, language clubs, and other activities. All you have to do is get in touch with people who are in charge, and they can lead you in the right direction.
Campus Safety
There are University Police telephone booths all over campus that are lit up in case you feel uneasy. The University Police roam around campus all day, everyday, so crime is at a very low point.

Elisabeth from Webster, SD

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
South Dakota State University has the programs I'm looking for and at lower rates than my other choice, North Dakota State University. South Dakota State University also has many more opportunities for myself and others for fun and participation for anything we're interested in. I'm really looking forward to starting class at SDSU.
Tips for prospective students
I recommend going on a campus tour and get to know at least one of the students there. I learned about my tour guide, Mara, and she was very eager to show us what makes the Jackrabbits such a proud University. The students here are diverse and fun to be with, and are very competitive with sports. They're also very competent in discoveries of meats in the Animal Science programs, and was the first to invent Cookies 'n Cream ice cream!!! Bet you didn't know that, did you? Try SDSU's ice cream during a campus visit and be amazed!
Academic Rigor
SDSU has precisely the program I need to lead my future career: Being an Endangered Animal Breeder! I'll major in Wildlife and Fisheries, get my Bachelor's, and pursue to assist animals like the snub-nosed monkey and the Komodo Dragon to grow and prosper! SDSU also has several majors that may include a variety of careers, though SDSU is best known for it's agricultural practices.
Dorm Life
SDSU has a requirement to live in the dorms for your first two years. I haven't been able to actually live in one of their dorms yet, but SDSU has excellent quality in it's furnishings from what I've seen, and I'm eager to move in during the fall.
Food and Dining
SDSU has a variety of meal plans and dining services, though most of the on-campus restaurants include Chinese or sandwiches. I haven't yet chosen a meal plan, so I'm not familiar with the food and dining at SDSU.
What to do for fun
SDSU offers a variety of clubs, sports, activities, and hobbies for it's students to get involved with college. They offer study abroad to several countries, have movie nights on campus, host over 200 different clubs ranging from Harry Potter to Sky Diving, have weight and aerobic rooms, and even have a new rock-climbing wall! Personally, I might spend most of my time in the campus library, which offers hundreds of books for research and pleasure.

Sarah from Jobstown, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Though the weather isn't always the best, and town isn't exactly full of things to do, if you make friends and find things to do, this place is amazing. Being from somehwere much more populated, I am loving the rural area around the college and the fact that souix falls is a short drive away. Classes are challenging, but not too hard. Overall, I love it!
Tips for prospective students
Get generals done as soon as possible. They are simply not fun. Definitely join the living learning community for your program, it makes everything so much better! you live with people who have similar interests, which makes for fast friends that are taking aot of the same classes you are, so it's easy to find help and you usually know someone in class with you.
Academic Rigor
Classes can be hard, but they're not ridiculous. There is also tons of support, not only associated with class or with the college, but being in an LLC helps too. There are tons of resources if you need help.
Dorm Life
I love where I live, even though it is one of the oldest dorms on campus. It is well taken care of, clean, and since i live woth other Agriculture majors, we all get along pretty well.
Food and Dining
The hours for dining could be better. The food is generally good, though sometimes food is a hit or miss. If you dont like or dont want to chance what is on the menu at once place, there are tons of options somewhere else, and the salad bar, prepared sandwiches, and soup are always good. But overall, the food is better than I expected.
What to do for fun
Since the weather can be pretty bad, my friends and I get together and watch movies at least once a week. We also go for walks into town and check out all the little stores there. The college puts on some fun things like grocery bingo, where you can win food (always helpful!). For the most part, you need to make your own fun. But if you have the right friends, that is not hard, at all. Become involved with clubs, church, and friends, and you will never be bored.
Bang for the buck
I know I am getting a great education and I am paying much less that I would be at another college while paying more. This school is awesome, the teachers are great, and the price is much lower than any other place I've looked at. Out of state is less than some in-state colleges back east, and in state here is simply amazingly low priced.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
HOBO DAY! Our homecoming is called hobo day, and we have two mascots, weary wil the hobo and dirty lil the hippie. We dress up as hobos and hippies and have a parade, led by the Bummobile, an old Model T. A grand poobah is chosen every year to lead the festivities, and each club makes a float to be in the parade. We then play the homecoming football game (all sports events are free for students!). All the other games are fun too, and there are always shirts made by students that make fun of the other teams, usually in a vulgar way. But it's a great time, and Hobo Day is the biggest one-day event in the Dakotas! (take that, ndsu and usd!)
Great for these types of students
Great for Ag students, as far as I know. People I have met in other majors love their experiences here as well, so overall I would say almost anyone would fit in well here. We also have a great nursing program, and the engineering majors are growing, from what I have heard.
Clubs and Activities
This really depends on what you're interested in. CFFA is fun, you get to help with State Convention for SD and a CDE practice event. There are tons of clubs and activities on campus all the time, the website has them all listed under student life, I believe.
Greek Life
I only know a little about the Agriculture related Greek organizations, and I only hear good about them. A few friends are in Sigma Alpha and AGR, both Ag related. There are tons of other frats and sororities, and I believe those are all listed on the website as well.
Campus Safety
Campus is extremely safe. Brookings police and UPD are always patrolling, and campus is equipped with many blue box phones and call buttons, where a police officer will escort you back to your dorm is you feel uncomfortable walking alone at night. I haven't used these, and have always felt safe on campus.

Stephanie from Brookings, SD

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
SDSU has a wide variety of programs and opportunities for it's students. They constantly have construction going on, which I did not like as a student because I never really felt like I was getting the typical college experience because of it. The classes I have taken range from have 400 students in one classroom to being one of fifteen students.
Tips for prospective students
If getting the food plan, budget your money, but SDSU food services help you do this. Be prepared to walk, the campus is quite large. When buying books for your classes I highly recommend buying them online via amazon.com or half.com. They are way cheaper than SDSU's bookstore. And I would highly recommend reselling your books on amazon.com or half.com because you are more likely to get your money back opposed to trying to sell them back to the SDSU bookstore.
Academic Rigor
I am transferring because they didn't have my major that I wanted, however they do offer a wide variety of majors.
Dorm Life
Dorms are expensive and small.
Food and Dining
Almost all of the book they have is absolutely delicious.
What to do for fun
SDSU offers many different sporting events that go on all year long that is free to students. SDSU's Wellness center has a bunch of exercise equipment and classes that students can take. There are occasional dances that are usually pretty fun, and the UPC puts on a lot of free, fun events.
Bang for the buck
SDSU is quite cheap if you're an in-state student compared to a lot of other colleges.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
SDSU has a dairy bar with delicious ice cream, a campanile that you can climb, an art museum, and a beautiful nature park called McCrory Gardens.
Great for these types of students
Hard working, like to have fun students.
Clubs and Activities
There are a wide variety of clubs and activities available for students.
Greek Life
I do not know much about the Greek Life because I was never involved, but I know some people who are members and they love it.
Campus Safety
The campus police are very strict.

Haleigh from Hot Springs, SD

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Learning includes more than just in the classroom. The college allows the students to grow, and coming from a small town, I am not only learning about the classes themselves, but how to study, and about diversity.
Am enjoying being here
I love the college itself. It is a large campus for me, but it is not so large that anyone could not handle it. The atmosphere is great, and seccure. The campus is beautiful and is very aqcuiring to the student.
Bang for the buck
The first thing this makes me thing of is the food. The food is great, especially for a college campus. Food is comparable to home, especially when there is a home-coooked meal. Not only that, but general schooling is fairly cheap and reasonable no matter what profession or career you decide to pursue.
Tips for prospective students
Get out and about. There are a lot of things that a student can do on our campus. From sports to international activities, there is a lot the students can do. Also, use resources such as SI and tutoring, they help in many aspects, and can allow you to grow in your classes.
Great for these types of students
Outgoing and adventurous. Although, even if you are the quiet type, the people on campus really encourage you to come out and explore.

Angela from Larchwood, IA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I absolutely love SDSU! Not only are the professors fun but they care about what you learn and that you understand what you are learning. Knowing the professors are there to help you, it pushes you to work your hardest. SDSU provides a great community to find friends, study groups, or new interests. The advisers are willing to help anyone; even if you do not know what you want to be. SDSU is an ideal school for anyone at any age and any learning level! I love it here and you will too!
Am enjoying being here
SDSU has so many clubs, fun nights, and extracurricular activities that no one could say they are bored. Professors push you to be your best but enjoy helping you whenever it is needed. I love the fact that the professors will work with you on your schedule. I needed to end my semester a few days early and all my professors let me take my finals early. It is amazing how much they care! I love it here!
Bang for the buck
While other schools are pretty expensive, SDSU offers plenty scholarships, grants, and work, but for the money paid out of pocket is very worth it. You will not find a campus as supportive as SDSU. Like I have said, the professors want to see you succeed and will help with assigning tutors, private lessons, and asking the random questions that come to mind.
Tips for prospective students
I recommend go in with a clear mind. College is very different from high school. No more judgmental comments, feeling left out, or the rumors that were spread around. College is more mature and is a blast! Even though there is a lot to do, never forget to read your materials! Once you fall behind, it is very hard to catch up. The professors do not always tell you the homework assignments so keep in mind it is your own responsibility to finish them.
Great for these types of students
The students are very open to any possibility and with the professors supportive attitudes, I strongly feel anyone would feel at home here. Even if you have not been to school in decades, this school is still perfect.