South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

School Overview

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is located in Rapid City, SD, and offers a distinctive educational experience. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, it is ranked #20 among Regional Universities Midwest (tie). It is also recognized as #6 in Top Public Schools. The school features a city setting and serves 2,219 undergraduate students. The institution maintains a 80% acceptance rate, making it accessible. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 1140-1340 and ACT scores of 24-30. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.6. A 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides an environment conducive to individualized academic attention. About 36% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Popular majors among students include Mechanical Engineering (24%), Computer and Information Sciences, General (10%), and Civil Engineering, General (9%). Graduates in Mechanical Engineering earn a median salary of $89,548 after entering the workforce. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $21,282. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology achieves a four-year graduation rate of 25%.