About USD

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Quick Facts

Location: Vermillion, South Dakota
Founded: 1862 (the State's oldest university)
President: James W. Abbott, J.D., since 1997

Colleges, Schools, Divisions:
Campus & Community:

The U is located on an attractive 216-acre campus in Vermillion, a small community nestled along the bluffs above the Missouri River in the southeast corner of South Dakota. Vermillion serves as a safe, clean host for the University and recreational and cultural opportunities abound in town, the nearby countryside and in neighboring communities.

New Buildings & Facilities:

Theodore R. and Karen K. Muenster University Center was completed in 2009. The 70,000-square-foot facility includes a multi-level campus dining area, a 500-person capacity multipurpose ballroom, state-of-the-art conference rooms, meeting areas, a multi-cultural center and offices.

Andrew E. Lee Memorial Medicine and Science Building was completed in 2008.  The 156,700-square-foot building consists of two, three-story wings linked by a central atrium.  The facility houses the Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Medical Student Affairs, Division of Health Sciences Dean, Doctor of Medicine, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy departments.

School of Business was completed in the Fall of 2009. The 69,000-square-foot building offers state-of-the-art classrooms, conference rooms, faculty offices and laboratories.

Slagle Auditorium (expected to be completed in 2010). The renovation and restoration will restore the facility to host events such as musical theatre, orchestras and musical ensembles and soloists, along with other cultural and educational events.

Coyote Village (expected to be completed in 2010). The 195,708-square-foot residence hall, located south of the DakotaDome, will feature a four-story facility with 175 units. Coyote Village will offer students multiple lobbies and lounges, a mail room, laundry, gaming room and cafe, multi-purpose room, tanning beds, convenience store and office area.

Wellness Center (expected to be completed in 2011).  The 61,000-square-foot facilty, to be located north of the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts, will include state-of-the-art workout equipment, a multi-story climbing wall, Multipurpose Activity Court, a large open workout space with treadmills, exercise bicycles, elliptical machines, stretching mats and a weight room space with free weights & strength-training equipment.

 
Enrollment (Fall 2009):
  • Total Enrollment:  9,617
  • Undergraduate: 7,098
  • Graduate: 2,519
Majors:
Student Organizations:

There are more than 120 organizations and clubs, including social, sports, religious, pre-professional and hobby groups.

On-Campus Housing:
  • 81% of new freshmen live on campus
  • 25% of all undergraduates live on campus
Financial Aid Profile:
  • Receiving Aid: Approximately 90%
Top Undergraduate Fields of Study:
  • Psychology
  • Business Administration
  • Teacher Education
  • Communication & Media Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Health Professions
Faculty:
  • Total Faculty: 408
  • With Highest Degree in Field: 81%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Alumni:
  • 58,000 alumni
Finances:
  • The University:  $117 million
  • Medical School:  $53 million
Homecoming Celebration:

Dakota Days

Athletics:

NCAA Division I ; Coyotes Web site

Men's Sports:
Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field

Women's Sports:
Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball

Team Name:
Coyotes