University of Sioux Falls
The Vibe Check
The University of Sioux Falls has a warm, tight-knit community feel where students are known by name, not just a student ID. It feels like a supportive, faith-based environment where professors genuinely invest in your success and campus events foster a strong sense of belonging. You'll find a blend of dedicated students and accessible faculty in a setting that balances academic focus with Midwestern hospitality.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
โ ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
USF is particularly strong in high-demand fields like Health Professions and Business, offering hands-on learning and clinical experiences. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors who prioritize teaching over large-scale research, creating an engaging classroom environment. While research opportunities are more focused on undergraduate involvement rather than large-scale projects, students gain practical skills directly applicable to their careers.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls offers a vibrant downtown with parks, trails, and a bustling arts scene, including the Washington Pavilion and SculptureWalk. Students enjoy exploring the city's numerous coffee shops, local restaurants, and the Falls Park waterfall system. Outdoor activities are popular, with easy access to biking trails and lakes for recreation.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($54,521):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The University of Sioux Falls campus is generally considered safe, with its own campus security and a relatively low crime rate in the immediate area. Sioux Falls is a safe city overall, though standard urban precautions are still advisable for students exploring the city.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- โ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible private school option.
- โ Strong programs in Health Professions and Business with hands-on learning.
- โ Small class sizes and personalized attention from professors.
- โ Faith-based community provides a supportive and values-oriented environment.
Cons
- โ Graduation rate (59.9%) is below the national average for private institutions.
- โ Limited name recognition outside of the Midwest region.
- โ Smaller enrollment means fewer course options and extracurriculars compared to large universities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Sioux Falls is known for its strong, career-focused programs in Health Professions (including nursing and allied health), Business & Marketing, and Education. It is also recognized for its faith-based, United Methodist affiliation and its commitment to providing a personalized, supportive learning environment with small class sizes.
No, the University of Sioux Falls has an acceptance rate of approximately 82%, making it an accessible option for most applicants. While admissions are not highly selective, a strong GPA and involvement in extracurricular activities will strengthen your application and increase your chances for scholarships.
Campus life is characterized by a close-knit, community atmosphere where students build strong relationships with peers and faculty. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, NCAA Division II athletics, and campus ministries. The urban setting in Sioux Falls provides easy access to city amenities while maintaining a safe, manageable campus environment.
For many students, yes. The net price is competitive for a private university, and the ROI is promising, especially for graduates entering high-demand fields like healthcare and business where median earnings ($54,521) are strong. The personalized education and support can lead to good career outcomes, but students should compare financial aid offers carefully to ensure it fits their budget.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,483
- In-State Tuition $20,740
- Zip Code 57105
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
At just over $20,000 for tuition, USF offers a private education at a price point comparable to many public universities, making it a relatively strong value. With a 10-year median earnings of $54,521, the return on investment is solid, especially for high-demand majors like health professions and business. The net price is close to the tuition, indicating limited discounting, so prospective students should actively pursue scholarships and grants.
๐ Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.