South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in Brookings, South Dakota. It was founded in 1881 as the Dakota Agricultural College and is the state’s largest and oldest university. SDSU is a land-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant institution, and has a strong reputation for excellence in agriculture, engineering, nursing, and pharmacy.
The university has a diverse student body of over 11,000 students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. SDSU offers over 200 academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. The university is organized into seven colleges, including the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and the College of Education and Human Sciences.
SDSU has a strong commitment to research, and its faculty and students conduct research in a wide range of areas, from renewable energy and environmental science to health and medicine. The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Agricultural Experiment Station, the Energy Resources Center, and the South Dakota Water Resources Institute.
SDSU has a vibrant campus life, with a wide range of student organizations and activities. The university has over 200 student organizations, including clubs for academic, cultural, and social interests. SDSU is also home to several varsity sports teams, known as the Jackrabbits, which compete in the NCAA Division I Summit League.

South Dakota State University (Wikimedia)
It’s a good idea to look at these 38 interesting facts about South Dakota State University to know more about this public research university.
- South Dakota State University was founded in 1881 as the Dakota Agricultural College.
- The university is the largest and oldest public university in South Dakota.
- SDSU is a land-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant institution.
- The university has a diverse student body of over 11,000 students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.
- SDSU offers over 200 academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.
- The university is organized into seven colleges: Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences; Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Education and Human Sciences; Engineering; Natural Sciences; Nursing; and Pharmacy.
- SDSU is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, nursing, and pharmacy.
- SDSU’s mascot is the Jackrabbit, and its colors are blue and yellow.
- SDSU has a strong commitment to research, and its faculty and students conduct research in a wide range of areas, from renewable energy and environmental science to health and medicine.
- The university has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Agricultural Experiment Station, the Energy Resources Center, and the South Dakota Water Resources Institute.
- SDSU has a number of international partnerships and offers study abroad opportunities in over 50 countries.
- The university is home to several museums and art galleries, including the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum and the South Dakota Art Museum.
- SDSU’s main campus is located in Brookings, South Dakota, but the university also has locations in Sioux Falls and Pierre.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of environmentally friendly initiatives on campus.
- SDSU has a number of on-campus housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and townhouses.
- The university has over 200 student organizations, including clubs for academic, cultural, and social interests.
- SDSU is home to several fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Sigma Kappa.
- The university has a number of varsity sports teams, known as the Jackrabbits, which compete in the NCAA Division I Summit League.
- SDSU’s football team plays at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 19,000.
- The university’s women’s basketball team has won 11 Summit League championships and has made five appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
- SDSU’s men’s basketball team has made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament and has won the Summit League championship six times.
- The university’s wrestling team has won 26 conference championships and has produced a number of All-Americans and Olympians.
- SDSU has a strong commitment to community service and encourages its students to engage in volunteer work.
- The university is home to several service organizations, including Circle K and Alpha Phi Omega.
- SDSU has a number of resources and programs to support its students, including the Jackrabbit Guarantee program, which guarantees four-year tuition and fees for eligible South Dakota residents.
- The university has a number of resources for military and veteran students, including the Veterans Affairs Office and the Veterans Resource Center.
- SDSU has a number of programs and resources for students with disabilities, including the Disability Services Office and the Accessibility and Resource Center.
- The university has a number of programs and resources for international students, including the International Student Affairs Office and the English Language and Culture Institute.
- SDSU has a number of resources and programs for first-generation college students, including the TRIO Student Support Services program and the First-Generation Student Organization.
- The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has been recognized for its efforts in this area by a number of organizations.
- SDSU has a number of partnerships with businesses and industries in the region, providing students with opportunities for internships and hands-on learning experiences.
- The university has a strong commitment to entrepreneurship, and has a number of programs and resources to support students who are interested in starting their own businesses.
- SDSU has a number of programs and resources to support student athletes, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.
- The university has a number of programs and resources to support student wellness, including a wellness center, counseling services, and a student health clinic.
- SDSU has a strong commitment to arts and culture, and hosts a number of events and performances throughout the year.
- The university is home to the Performing Arts Center, which hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and other performances.
- SDSU has a number of traditions and rituals that are unique to the university, such as Hobo Day, a celebration of the university’s homecoming.
- SDSU has a number of research partnerships with organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.
South Dakota State University is a vibrant and dynamic institution that offers students a diverse range of academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities. With a strong commitment to student success, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, SDSU is a great place to pursue your educational and personal goals. Whether you are interested in the arts, the sciences, business, or the health professions, you will find a supportive and welcoming community at SDSU. As an institution that values diversity, inclusion, and innovation, SDSU is poised to make a significant impact on the region and the world.