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    SAT and ACT in South Dakota

    South Dakota graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1208 on the SAT (2% took it) and 21.1 on the ACT (56% took it). South Dakota has 1 state merit scholarship that can count SAT or ACT scores: South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship. The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for South Dakota's class of 2027 is 210. We cover 7 colleges in South Dakota. For fall 2027, 2 require a score only below a GPA cutoff, 4 let you choose whether to send a score and 1 accepts other exams in place of the SAT or ACT.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    1208
    National Merit cutoff
    210
    state scholarship using scores
    1
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    0

    Average SAT and ACT scores in South Dakota

    From the official reports College Board and ACT publish each fall for the graduating class. Compare states with care: an average depends on how many students take the test.

    SATClass of 2026Graduates who took it227Share of the class2%Average1208610 Reading and Writing, 598 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class56%Average21.1National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 227 South Dakota graduates (2% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1208 (610 in Reading and Writing, 598 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 2% of South Dakota's class took the SAT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.

    In the class of 2026, 56% of South Dakota graduates took the ACT and averaged 21.1, against 19.2 nationally.

    See where a score stands nationally with the SAT percentile calculator, or what a 1200 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.

    Sources: College Board, 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report: South Dakota · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026

    Testing in South Dakota high schools

    Every South Dakota public school junior takes the ACT with Writing in school. It became the state's grade 11 test in 2025-26.

    Source: South Dakota Department of Education · Checked October 31, 2026

    South Dakota merit scholarships

    State programs for South Dakota residents that count SAT or ACT scores. Each card shows the score and GPA minimums we track; the program's own page has every rule.

    • South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

      $1,500 to $3,000 a year

      State program · In-state students

      • 3.00+ GPA, 1180+ SAT or 24+ ACT, Option 1 (ACT 24 + curriculum/GPA); Advanced Honors Endorsement with 3.0 unweighted GPA, OR required HS courses (SDCL 13-55-31.1) with no final grade below C and cumulative 3.0 GPA
      • 1310+ SAT or 28+ ACT, Option 2 (ACT 28, no curriculum/GPA requirement); None beyond test (no curriculum or GPA requirement per BOR)
      Details

    National Merit in South Dakota

    For the class of 2027, students in South Dakota needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 210 to become National Merit Semifinalists. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.

    Work out your index with the Selection Index calculator, compare states in National Merit cutoffs by state, and see which colleges reward it in colleges with National Merit scholarships.

    Source: NMSC, Guide to the National Merit Scholarship Program

    Colleges in South Dakota

    Test policies for fall 2027, and the SAT and ACT scores of the middle 50% of enrolled freshmen. Largest colleges first; each links to its full page.

    South Dakota State UniversityBrookingsTest policyTest optionalRequired below a 2.6 GPAAcceptance rate98%SAT, middle 50%1060 to 1240ACT, middle 50%19 to 25
    University of South DakotaVermillionTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate99%SAT, middle 50%1145 to 1260ACT, middle 50%19 to 25
    Dakota State UniversityMadisonTest policyTest optionalRequired below a 2.6 GPAAcceptance rate92%SAT, middle 50%1190 to 1440ACT, middle 50%20 to 26
    South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyRapid CityTest policyTest flexibleAcceptance rate80%SAT, middle 50%1140 to 1340ACT, middle 50%24 to 30
    Augustana UniversitySioux FallsTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate73%SAT, middle 50%1150 to 1370ACT, middle 50%20 to 28
    Black Hills State UniversitySpearfishTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate96%SAT, middle 50%965 to 1135ACT, middle 50%18 to 24
    Northern State UniversityAberdeenTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate93%SAT, middle 50%980 to 1160ACT, middle 50%18 to 24

    To decide whether to send your score, compare it with each college's range in the submit or retake tool.

    Other states

    See every state, or browse all South Dakota colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in South Dakota

    What is the average SAT score in South Dakota?
    In the class of 2026, 227 South Dakota graduates (2% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1208 (610 in Reading and Writing, 598 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 2% of South Dakota's class took the SAT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.
    What is the average ACT score in South Dakota?
    In the class of 2026, 56% of South Dakota graduates took the ACT and averaged 21.1, against 19.2 nationally.
    Do South Dakota high schools give the SAT or ACT?
    Every South Dakota public school junior takes the ACT with Writing in school. It became the state's grade 11 test in 2025-26.
    What SAT or ACT score do you need for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship?

    The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship counts SAT or ACT scores in these 2 ways to qualify. The program's own page has every requirement.

    • 3.00+ GPA, 1180+ SAT or 24+ ACT, Option 1 (ACT 24 + curriculum/GPA); Advanced Honors Endorsement with 3.0 unweighted GPA, OR required HS courses (SDCL 13-55-31.1) with no final grade below C and cumulative 3.0 GPA
    • 1310+ SAT or 28+ ACT, Option 2 (ACT 28, no curriculum/GPA requirement); None beyond test (no curriculum or GPA requirement per BOR)
    What is the National Merit cutoff in South Dakota?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 210 or higher made a student in South Dakota a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in South Dakota require the SAT or ACT?
    None of the 7 colleges in South Dakota we cover require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027. 2 colleges require a score only from applicants below a GPA cutoff: South Dakota State University and Dakota State University.
    Which colleges in South Dakota have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in South Dakota we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at Dakota State University (1190 to 1440), Augustana University (1150 to 1370) and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (1140 to 1340).

    Have another question? Email us at team@getsharp.app.