University of Sioux Falls logo

University of Sioux Falls

Accept Rate
82.08%
Grad Rate
59.9%
Enrollment
1,258
Tuition
$20,740
Median Salary
$54,521
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

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

82.08%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

With an acceptance rate over 80%, USF is accessible, but highlight your involvement in extracurriculars like sports, volunteer work, or leadership roles to stand out. Since the university values its faith-based identity, consider writing thoughtfully about how your personal values align with their mission in your application essay. Connect directly with the admissions office or a professor in your intended major to show genuine interest and ask specific questions.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏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

Health Professions
24.1%
Business & Marketing
16.7%
Education
13.6%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
9.6%
Psychology
8.9%
Communications
5.9%
Biology & Biomedical
4.9%
Criminal Justice
4.6%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.1%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.8%
Public Administration
1.5%
Theology
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

59.9%
Graduation Rate
75.2%
Retention Rate
1,258
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$20,740
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,874
After financial aid
Total Cost
$32,728
Cost of attendance/year
29%
Receive Pell Grants
66.9%
Federal Loan Rate

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

$884 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Sioux Falls
Explore Sioux Falls

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$82,960
$0Est. 4 Years: $82,960

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($54,521):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

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

  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible private school option.
  • โœ“ Strong programs in Health Professions and Business with hands-on learning.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and personalized attention from professors.
  • โœ“ Faith-based community provides a supportive and values-oriented environment.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate (59.9%) is below the national average for private institutions.
  • โœ— Limited name recognition outside of the Midwest region.
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment means fewer course options and extracurriculars compared to large universities.

Notable Alumni

Paul Schmid
Co-founder of Schmid Creative, a successful advertising agency in Sioux Falls.
Steve Gera
Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under President Biden.
Michele Lunzman
Award-winning educator and leader in South Dakota's educational community.

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.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Sanford Health Avera Health Sioux Falls School District Citi The Hawkins Company
Smart Start Score
60

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

โ™‚ 39.5% โ™€ 60.5%

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.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $20,740
Housing (12 mo) $10,608
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $38,548
With avg financial aid:
$20,874/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.