Founded in 1885, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. is a Public college. Located in South Dakota, which is a city setting in South Dakota, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 2,435 full time undergraduate students, and 374 full time graduate students.
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 15:1. There are 148 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
84%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
20
SAT Range
1040-1290
ACT Range
24-29
Admissions at SDSMT are considered Less Selective, with ,14% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 36 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
83% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 54% were in the top quarter, and 21% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
6%
“We”re apathetic”
72%
“We know about current events and vote”
22%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
6%
“Sometimes, but not often”
28%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
67%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
28%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
67%
“I feel extremely safe”
29%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
59%
“We bought the gear”
12%
“We live for the big game”
33%
“It”s not really our thing”
39%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
28%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
72%
“They keep regular office hours”
28%
“They”re always available”
6%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
33%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
56%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
6%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
39%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
56%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
22%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
78%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
6%
“We”re apathetic”
72%
“We know about current events and vote”
22%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
6%
“Sometimes, but not often”
28%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
67%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
28%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
67%
“I feel extremely safe”
29%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
59%
“We bought the gear”
12%
“We live for the big game”
33%
“It”s not really our thing”
39%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
28%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
72%
“They keep regular office hours”
28%
“They”re always available”
6%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
33%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
56%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
36 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 6 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
30 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
41 Students rated campus food 2.7 stars. 10 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
42 Students rated campus facilities 3.8 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
42 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 60 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
42 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
41 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
42 Students rated academics 4.5 stars. 67 % gave the school a 5.0.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
19 Students rated South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Morgan - 05/22/2020
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a great school to attend, especially if you know you want to pursue engineering. Because it is very focused on STEM majors, it is easy to find people with interests very similar to your own. However if you are not set on pursuing a STEM career it may not be the best fit for you.
Kassi - 10/16/2019
I really do love School of Mines, I just think that there has to be some change to make the campus a little more enticing. I believe the education here is almost unmatched and that the classes do a great job at preparing students for an actual career. I just think that for the price of the facilities, that perhaps there could be some renovations, replacements, or changes made.
Koby - 08/25/2019
The South Dakota school of mines and Technology is a fantastic school. The classes are pretty difficult but it can be done. To achieve a good grade you need to do your studying, the professors are often open and always if need are there for help. Overall it’s a good school, do attend if you have any sort of doubt.
Justin - 04/27/2019
The community college that I went to before hand had straws for the drinks in the cafeteria and warm water in the bathrooms. The disapointment carries through in all aspect very similarly. It always feels crowded.
Emily - 12/05/2018
The South Dakota School of Mines and Tech is a great place for those who want to pursue science and engineering fields and want opportunity for professional growth. The class sizes are small enough to be comfortable enough to ask questions in class and the professors are glad to answer. The surrounding area does not offer much to do, but the campus sometimes makes up for it. Academics are challenging but doable. Students are encouraged in their professional growth through internships, co-ops, and the many research opportunities on campus.
Hannah - 05/11/2018
Just as any school the South Dakota School of Mines has its struggles from time to time. However, overall this school is incredible supportive and the students are nearly always willing to encourage one another. Being such a small campus creates a family-like feel that has been a true blessing for me over the years. The civil engineering department is a true gem on campus. They are willing to go above and beyond for their students.
Sarah - 04/23/2018
I really enjoy school of Mines it has a reputation for being a quality school. It definitely is the place to be in South Dakota. It has a very tight knit family of students and really tries to make you feel at home. I would recommend school of mines to any engineering majors out there.
Paige - 03/25/2018
I thoroughly enjoy attending school here. As a female at an engineering school, one might think it may be difficult to be noticed or get the help you need, but honestly, this school has a paramount of opportunities for women on campus and does a fantastic job integrating us and giving us the same opportunities as our male counterparts. Everyone, faculty and students included, are all very friendly, kind, and willing to lend a hand with anything they can. A great community.
Kaden - 03/25/2018
This is a school that boldly lives up to it's claims and holds high standards in order to do so. Students attend this school in order to receive a high quality education, and they get exactly what they ask for. During the week, business is very strict and students work hard, however whenever they are presented with an opportunity to relax, they seize it.
Shyann - 02/26/2018
I never imagined that I could discover a college that met all my dreams and offered every opportunity on my checklist ranging from an outstanding engineering program to a growing athletic program and intellectual diversity. During my volleyball recruiting visit, I remember learning about the traditions and challenging projects that not only confirmed everything I loved about South Dakota School of Mines, but also helped me see the collaborative platform that has built the backbone of this school.
Since first stepping on campus I knew that South Dakota school of Mines was an academically challenging environment. I have always wanted to attend a demanding university that offers hands-on real-world projects with small groups and SDSM offers that opportunity. I know that South Dakota School of Mines is a team-oriented environment where the professors want the students to succeed and as a student athlete I value the small class sizes and the ability to easily communicate with my professors. I was instantly interested in attending mines when I learned about the internship program that has allowed 75% of all its students to earn at least one paid internship from 240 different employers. Although South Dakota School of Mines is most appealing due to its academics, I also found the student life to be very rewarding. As a Hardrocker, I would be involved in campus concerts, intramural sports, school homecoming traditions, and student clubs. The outstanding opportunities offered at the school also play a big part with the community in Rapid City, South Dakota. Downtown Rapid is loaded with restaurants, entertainment, and cafes perfect for college students. Through all of this, I realized that South Dakota School of Mines was the place I wanted to spend the next four years of my life.
Gwyneth - 02/03/2018
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a hard school where every student needs to put in the time and effort to succeed. The ratio of girls to guys sucks as it is 4 guys to 1 girl. There is a verity of engineering and science majors on campus and the school encourages students to get involved in clubs and the community. All the faculty and professors are nice and always willing to help. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is an excellent STEM school that is surprisingly affordable in cost; tuition for out of state is about $24,000 a year. If you want to go into engineering I would recommend coming to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Anna - 12/27/2017
I enjoy the atmosphere and environment of South Dakota School of Mines. The class sizes are comparable to those of a typical high school, which is great for asking questions and helping to actual learn in class. Since it is an engineering school the classes are harder than your typical college, however, this is to better prepare the students for there future careers.
Henry - 12/22/2017
I love the school. There's plenty of different activities and clubs to get involved with. Everyone is easy to make friends with, and everyone has similar mind sets. The food is better than most colleges, and housing is what can be expected. I plan on graduating from here with a Bachelor's, and possibly a Master's
Alivia - 11/01/2017
I am a transfer student, and I love the environment better at School of Mines. I love that nearly everyone is very serious about their studies, and it's great to be around people who care about their grades, but are also willing to help others when they're asked.
Colton - 10/31/2017
SDSMT is a tough school, academics are a heavy load. Although it is a large workload, the employment opportunities are plentiful and students have an easy time finding internships and co-ops. If a student is willing to put in the work they will be rewarded. Campus is small but has a lot of life. Student organizations are constantly planning events. Overall, this school has a lot to offer for a small campus.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is 84%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I'd have to begin with telling my old self to knuckle down and work hard on preparing for college during his junior and senior years. Tell him to suck it up and take more college credit classes because they're less expensive during high school. Above all I'd tell myself to apply for more scholarships and grants. College is not cheap and takes all you have to get started. Just remember that you pay back loans whereas scholarships you right out thank you cards and shake the hand that's giving it to you. Don’t wait to contact your roommates. The transition from home to college is easier if you create a relationship with them during the months ahead. After all this sank in I’d remind him to study. High school seems like a breeze when you begin college classes. Prepare for those small quizzes, they add up fast. Don’t procrastinate either, professors don’t grade late papers and frown upon students who show up late for class. If only my high school self knew this information, believe his older self, his first few weeks of college could’ve been a whole lot easier.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
This school is a bargain. You get a good solid engineering and science education without the large cost of other universities. Since this school is almost purely engineering almost everyone here is in the same boat as you. That means we all work together to get things done and we are cohesive in that way.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
Anyone who enjoyed math and sciences in high school. SDSM&T offers a variety of engineering majors in addition majors in physics, interdisciplinary sciences and paleontology . Also, the school is a bargain for the return on value ranking in the top 100 of Americas best buys! This school really has something for everyone here who is interested in a field in math or science with great faculty and small class sizes allowing students to really be involved in their education. In addition, the student body is incredibly friendly offering a club that is bound to interest everyone.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing about this school that I found was that there is break down in communication. I did not live in SD prior to coming to school here. I was trying to have my questions answered and I it was almost painful trying to get information from them. My roommate, who lives in state, did not have this problem. I believe that there was some problems this year with the state going broke. After I came to the school communication imporved.
My school is best known for its engineering programs. It is very well known among recruiting companies. Many students participate in internships and coop programs. A majority of graduating students already have job offers waiting for them upon graduation.
The school is very focused on academics, which is great because after all, that is waht I am there for. It is also very close to where I live and is in a great area.
The type of person that should attend this school is one that remains active in their academia, their community and in their social life. You are a proven hardworker -- both physically and mentally -- if you strive for the best in each of the previously listed terms of success. I am not one to discourage; however, if you are one of irresponsibility, this school should not be your top choice.
I would have to say many of the students attending the School of Mines are passionate about what they're studying; Mines offers several different majors which are obscure.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating thing about my school is that all of the fields of study are very focused and classes can be extremely difficult and time consuming.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
93% of students attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology receive some sort of financial aid.
20% were awarded federal grants.55%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.