In-state tuition for Minnesota residents makes SDSU best value among peer institutions

When the South Dakota Board of Regents extended the South Dakota Advantage tuition rate to Minnesota residents in December 2023, it made SDSU the best value for Minnesota residents among its peer institutions in Minnesota. South Dakota Advantage will offer in-state tuition to Minnesota residents enrolling as new students at SDSU starting summer 2024. 

“We’ve received a lot of questions recently with concerns of tuition reciprocity going away for Minnesota students considering college in South Dakota. The facts are this — the South Dakota Advantage tuition program will provide an even stronger tuition value for Minnesota residents at SDSU than they were receiving under the previous reciprocity agreement,” said Shawn Helmbolt, SDSU assistant vice president for enrollment management. 

The addition of Minnesota to the South Dakota Advantage tuition program eliminated the need for a reciprocity program for Minnesota students, as South Dakota Advantage will reduce tuition from the previously negotiated reciprocity tuition rate by approximately $1,600 each year. 

“We value our Minnesota neighbors and the impact our Minnesota students and alums make as Jackrabbits. We’re thrilled to be able to offer them an even lower tuition rate, making SDSU a stronger value for them,” Helmbolt said. “We have already had positive results with the program in other states, particularly Iowa and Nebraska, so having this available in another neighboring state will only continue to make SDSU an option for students who want a premier education at a tremendous value.” 

The cost of attendance at SDSU for undergraduates living on campus during the 2023-24 academic year is $18,861 for tuition, fees, room and board. Factoring in the average cost of books and supplies, students attending their first year spend approximately $20,062. 

Compared to other universities in Minnesota, SDSU is the best value when it comes to cost of attendance: 

• South Dakota State University: $20,062 
• Minnesota State University, Mankato: $21,756 
• Southwest Minnesota State University: $21,972 
• University of Minnesota-Duluth: $25,524 
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: $30,682 

_{Source: University websites}  

“The public higher education system in South Dakota has made it a priority to remain a great value for students who seek the benefits of earning a four-year degree from a land-grant university like South Dakota State University, and we value the support from the South Dakota Board of Regents and our Legislature to do so,” Helmbolt said. “SDSU continues to attract thousands of students from the Midwest and beyond, offering them more than 85 different majors that incorporate hands-on learning opportunities, undergraduate research, internships, education abroad and job placement after graduation.” 

Minnesota students who are currently enrolled at SDSU will continue to receive the Minnesota reciprocity tuition rate until graduation.