The School of Mines is a Great College Choice
Every day at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, more than 2,000 students eagerly collaborate with our outstanding SDSM&T faculty on engineering and scientific issues of critical importance to the state, the nation, and the world. A 14:1 student/faculty ratio provides an environment for in-depth exchanges, consideration of complex topics, and meaningful research projects.
We're proud of our national reputation for excellence in engineering, science, mathematics, and computer technology. It's what we do best. But don't just take our word for it, ask around within industry and academic circles. Better yet, schedule a visit to our campus in Rapid City. You'll meet faculty, tour research facilities, and be able to judge for yourself. While you're here, take some time to see all that the area has to offer. A visit to the Black Hills is called "the Great American Roadtrip" for a reason: there's something of interest around every corner.
Why Mines? -- A Few Key Reasons
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is well-known in spheres of academia, research and industry for the quality engineering and science education we provide. Our reputation rests on the excellence of our faculty, students, and alumni, our intimate size, strong sense of community, affordability, and return on investment.
National and international companies recruit our students for employment and co-ops and internships (find the specifics at our Career Center webpage), and our distinguished alumni demonstrate the Mines 'Legacy of Excellence' in their impact on their fields and their support of the university.
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology may be the best college investment in the nation, based on comparison of total costs with average starting salaries of graduates.
At Mines, starting salaries for graduates average the total cost of a four-year degree — meaning that students 1) begin their careers earning salaries that will allow them to pay off college debt and 2) incur substantially less debt than they would at many other universities. Starting salaries for our graduates currently average over $62,000, and 98 percent of graduates find work or are enrolled in a graduate program less than one year after graduation.
See our Points of Excellence page on why a SDSM&T education is a great value.
In addition to preparing students for successful careers as scientists, engineers, and leaders, the School of Mines is also a regional powerhouse of research and development, attracting millions of dollars in research funding every year.
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is engaged in cutting-edge research in many important areas of science and engineering. These research activities provide students with special opportunities to become involved in discovery and invention and to participate in the excitement of developing new concepts that can make our world a better place.
Learn more about SDSM&T Research.
Located at the foot of the beautiful Black Hills, Rapid City offers a wide array of recreational activities to balance academic studies. A vibrant downtown area and a variety of arts and entertainment venues are available, and a thriving tourism industry means fun venues to explore and rubbing shoulders with visitors from all over the world.
Outdoor activities abound: from hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding, to rock climbing and caving, and everything in between. With five national parks and monuments within an hour drive, and numerous other state parks to choose from, the Rapid City area is an outdoor paradise.
What Rapid City and the Black Hills have to offer.
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has more than 80 student-run clubs and organizations -- including academic, Greek, musical, religious, and service organizations. These organizations provide opportunities for fun and socializing, foster personal growth through group programs and competitions, and help you build personal connections that will remain important all of your life.
And whether you're an athlete or a fan, the School of Mines has men's and women's teams competing at the NCAA Division II level. There are also a variety of club and intramural sports that students can join.
Student Organizations at SDSM&T