An overhead shot of main campus during the sunset.

Iowa

Discover the Cost Advantage: South Dakota vs. Iowa.

The opportunities are endless when you make USD your home away from home. Having the collegiate experience you've always dreamed of doesn't have to break the bank and it won't when you attend USD.

Discover Vermillion, South Dakota, home to the University of South Dakota main campus. It is here that you will experience the charm of small-town living while enjoying access to urban conveniences, all at the fraction of the cost you'd find in Iowa.

As an Iowa resident, you're eligible for in-state tuition rates at USD. This translates to significant savings, with tuition fees at USD being roughly $4,000 less per year compared to Iowa's flagship university, the University of Iowa.

Take a look at the '24-'25 numbers:


 South Dakota
 Iowa
Tuition & Fees
 $9,432 $10,964
Housing & Food
 $10,356 $12,920 
Direct Costs Total
 $19,788 $23,884 

University of Iowa annual tuition: $23,884 [source]

University of South Dakota annual tuition: $19,788 [source]

You save: $4,096

Savings over 4 years: $16,384

Along with the affordable tuition, USD has much more to offer!

 

GET TO KNOW YOUR UNIVERSITY

Here are a few things you should know about the University of South Dakota.

hear from a usd alum

Aliyah Jackson smiling.
I found USD when they came and visited my school. I decided to attend after my visit. The community and people were so friendly and it was a fun atmosphere. The faculty and staff at USD do a great job of being encouraging as well as motivational support throughout the classes during the semester and during finals week. They are always very willing to help, answer questions, and do a great job of offering supplemental materials to help you better understand certain courses.

Aliyah Jackson

Pre-Law '24
B.S. Communications Studies and Criminal Justice '21
Marcus, Iowa

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