Sydnee Holmes, a civil and environmental
engineering major, is one of a majority of South Dakota Mines students who landed
paid internships while in school. Holmes is working the summer of 2020 with the
Colorado Department of Transportation. Internships like this are key for the
high placement rate enjoyed by South Dakota Mines graduates.
South Dakota Mines 2018-2019
graduates are enjoying a 96% placement rate in their field of study or in
graduate school. This cohort is also receiving an average starting salary of
$66,516, up $3,162 from the previous year.
“I commend these graduates for
their hard work. I know the job market is tough right now, but these numbers
show the world still needs high-caliber scientists and engineers,” says South
Dakota Mines president Jim Rankin. “This data also highlights the importance of
our mission,
vision and values at South Dakota Mines. The COVID-19 crisis shows the
critical need for world-class leaders and innovators who can help tackle the challenges
we face.”
The high placement rate and
starting salary speaks to South Dakota
Mines’ excellent return on investment. The earnings of graduates in
science and engineering fields outpace other professions, and the
cost of attending South Dakota Mines is lower than many schools across the
country.
Real-world experience is
one advantage many South Dakota Mines graduates bring to their first job. Seventy-nine
percent of students graduated with internship or research experience with companies
such as Microsoft, Garmin, Kiewit, Cargill and many other companies and
governmental agencies.
Thirty-one percent of Mines graduates
are staying in South Dakota to continue advanced studies or contribute to the
economic development of the state. In the last five years, 365 graduates have
accepted jobs with 215 employers in 39 South Dakota communities.
Among the South Dakota Mines majors,
computer science graduates had the highest salary average at $75,843.
Computer engineering graduates were close behind with an average starting
salary of $71,750. Chemical engineering graduates came in third at $69,848.
These numbers show the value of an
education at South Dakota Mines. In its 2020 rankings, the organization College
Factual names South Dakota Mines as the
best engineering school for the money out of 302 similar institutions
across the United States. The university routinely receives top
rankings in the state and nation from multiple college ranking
organizations.