The decision-making process of the college search can be difficult. Luckily, South Dakota State University (SDSU) has a host of benefits that set it apart from the rest.
Here are just some of the reasons to choose to be a Jackrabbit.
Value-Driven Education
First things things first—SDSU offers one of the best values when comparing its educational opportunities to the cost of tuition. But what about the programs themselves? SDSU’s academic programs are consistently recognized for their quality year after year.
Program diversity and potential for future career success is a huge bonus of SDSU’s academic offerings. Imagine yourself diving into the world of medical lab science with starting salaries for SDSU grads at $56,000 and 100 percent job placement rate or civil and environmental engineering, where SDSU graduates command a starting salary of $50,000-plus.
The SDSU pharmacy program is one of only two schools in the nation with a 100 percent pass rate on the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination), with graduates building careers in retail pharmacy, clinical research and clinic and hospital work. In 2016, the university’s nursing program, which boasts 97 percent job placement, was ranked among the Top 30 in the nation by AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org.
These are just some examples of the academic offerings at SDSU that lead to successful careers after graduation.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
For many students, the opportunity for hands-on learning is a must, and SDSU builds those opportunities directly into its academic programs. Take the new First Dakota National Bank e-Trading Lab, for example. The only one of its kind in South Dakota, this state-of-the-art trading lab allows students to study real-time trading and investments. There’s no shortage of first-hand chances to be involved in something bigger than your standard lecture class.
Students also earn full-time internships during their college careers. Daktronics, with its world headquarters in Brookings, provides hundreds of work opportunities to students each semester and throughout the year. Internships are available not only for engineering majors, but for graphic design, marketing, economics and many other majors, as well.
School Spirit
If you’re hoping to put your school spirit on full display, SDSU provides one of the best backdrops for it in the region. With a beloved marching band, the Pride of the Dakotas; a highly visible and revered mascot in Jack the Jackrabbit; and recent postseason tournament runs by the men’s and women’s basketball teams, there’s never a dull moment when it comes to showing your SDSU pride.
Student Life
With more than 240 student organizations at your fingertips, you have plenty of time to make your mark and zero time to be bored. Plan the largest one-day event in South Dakota as part of the Hobo Day Committee, or travel to the Galapagos Islands with other Honors College students to do research in one of the world’s premiere wildlife-viewing areas. SDSU students are engaged, interested and very active.
Local Access
Maybe you visited SDSU and have seen everything the campus has to offer, but don’t forget that the community of Brookings is its own little gem along I-29. Located about 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and about 200 miles west of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Brookings has plenty to offer, including outdoor recreation (see the Dakota Nature Park), shops and restaurants (see Main Street) and activities year-round (see the Brookings Arts Festival, for one).
The Swiftel Center is home to frequent events, including concerts, rodeos and other regional attractions.
*Payscale.com
