2023-2024 Estimated Costs for International Students
The following is the 2023-2024 estimated annual cost for international students attending South Dakota State University. Tuition, fees, room and board charges are subject to changes that are published annually by the South Dakota Board of Regents and annual increases of up to 5% should be expected.
| Expense | Undergraduate 15 credit hours/semester | Graduate 9 credit hours/semester | Graduate, with Assistantship 9 credit hours/semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition* | $5,642 | $5,886 | - |
| Program Fee | - | - | - |
| General Activity Fee $50.85/credit hour | $763 | $458 | $458 |
| International Student Fee | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Residence Hall Based on Mathews, Pierson, Young or Hansen Halls (double occupancy) | $2,311 | $3,000** | $3,000** |
| Premier Meal Plan | $2,127 | $2,100** | $2,100** |
| Books | $575 | $575 | $575 |
| Other Includes estimate for transportation and other incidental costs | $740 | $740 | $740 |
| Semester tuition, fees, and living costs | $12,308 | $12,909 | $7,023 |
| Yearly Health Insurance (Mandatory)*** | $708 | $708 | $708 |
| Annual Cost of Attendance (2 semesters) | $25,324 | $26,526 | $14,754 |
*Based on 15 credit hours per semester of general courses which are required for 4-year graduation. Please visit to determine actual costs by major. Programs such as Aviation and Architecture have significantly higher costs. Please see below for special programs with higher estimated costs of attendance.
**These are estimated costs associated with anticipated apartment rental, utilities, and food costs. You can refer to the for Brookings County, South Dakota for estimated room and board costs.
Students should allow for personal expenses, which can run from $500 to $2,000 per year.
Additional Estimates of Annual Expenses
| Additional Expense | Price |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses for Dependent Spouse | $10,032 |
| Living Expenses for Each Dependent Child | $6,958 |
If you are self-funded (the bank documents are in your name), you must provide evidence that you can fund your entire duration of the study. To determine this amount, multiply your total costs with dependents as follows:
Undergraduate and Ph.D. x 5 or Master's Degree x 3
***Insurance Requirements
- Insurance quotes are based on the Basic Plan.
- Mandatory University Insurance must be purchased through the approved insurance provider and not from another agency — either in your country or in the United States, unless eligible for the Federal Exchange. Please check the site for updated rates and policy changes.
- Students who have been in the US for more than 5 years as an F-1 Student or more than 2 years as a J-1 Student/Scholar are eligible to purchase Health Insurance through the Federal Exchange. Please contact sdsu.intlstud@sdstate.edu for information about this option.
- Dependent (spouse or child) plans can be purchased from the approved insurance provider. Dependents are required to show proof of insurance. The insurance will be required to be on file.
Special Programs with higher estimated costs of attendance:
Accelerated Nursing Cost Estimate
| Tuition and Fees | $32,888 |
|---|---|
| Room and Board | $8,876 |
| Other | $5,162 |
| Total | $46,926 |
Architecture Annual Cost Estimate
| Tuition and Fees | $19,775 |
|---|---|
| Room and Board | $8,876 |
| Other | $5,162 |
| Total | $33,813 |
Aviation Education Specialization Annual Cost Estimate
| Tuition and Fees | $32,341 |
|---|---|
| Room and Board | $8,876 |
| Other | $5,162 |
| Total | $46,379 |