K-State vs South Dakota State University (SDSU)
Kansas State University and South Dakota State University, both public research universities, offer distinct educational experiences. Kansas State, located in Manhattan, Kansas, boasts a higher acceptance rate (84%) compared to South Dakota State's 80%. Kansas State's student body is more diverse, with international students comprising 10% of the population, while South Dakota State's international student population is 3%. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors including engineering, business, and agriculture. However, Kansas State has a higher graduation rate (68%) than South Dakota State (63%). To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two universities. Explore the table to find the institution that best aligns with your academic goals and preferences.
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![]() Kansas State University |
![]() South Dakota State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Manhattan, Kansas | Brookings, South Dakota |
Campus setting | City: Small | Town: Remote |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 86.0% | 80.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 95.6% | 87.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$65
|
Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$35
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SAT range | N/A | 980 - 1220 |
ACT range | N/A | 19 - 25 |
Students submitting SAT score | 3.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 86.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 9,822 | 5,774 |
Total number of admissions given out | 9,391 | 5,048 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,848 | 2,019 |
Yield rate | 30.3% | 40.0% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$23,866
Out of state:
$39,937
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In state:
$24,304
Out of state:
$27,814
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Average net price | $19,874 | $17,859 |
Tuition |
In state:
$9,489
Out of state:
$25,560
|
In state:
$7,773
Out of state:
$11,283
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,200
Meal plan:
$4,900
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Room/dormitory:
$4,054
Meal plan:
$4,082
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
88.0%
Average amount $6,774 |
81.0%
Average amount $4,747 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
41.0%
Average amount $5,095 |
60.0%
Average amount $5,063 |
Students taking out private loans |
5.0%
Average amount $14,579 |
17.0%
Average amount $9,956 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
15,619
Men 50.3% Women 49.7% |
9,847
Men 45.2% Women 54.8% |
Graduate students |
4,610
Men 38.7% Women 61.3% |
1,618
Men 37.3% Women 62.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 21.8% | N/A |
International students | 5.4% | 5.1% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Town: Remote |
Dormitory capacity | 5,696 | 4,488 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Kansas Missouri Texas Nebraska Colorado | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
|
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Students to faculty ratio | 19:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 68.4% | 59.5% |
Dropout rate | 9.3% | 38.9% |
Transferred out | 20.4% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Food Science and Technology (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Architectural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Agricultural and Food Products Processing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Plant Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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