South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive higher education institution. As South Dakota’s Morrill Act land-grant university, SDSU had a fall 2018 enrollment of 12,107 students. There are ongoing efforts to bring a greater global perspective to the campus to increase diversity. The work of the university is carried out on a resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across the state.
From its roots as a land grant university established in Brookings, South Dakota in 1881, SDSU today is a vibrant, complex Carnegie Research University – High Intensity institution. It competes in Division I Athletics, is a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and participates in the Summit League for most other sports.
With exceptional alumni, community, and Foundation support for student scholarships as well as all aspects of campus life, SDSU is the center of life in Brookings. Brookings, a community of approximately 23,000, is located in eastern South Dakota along Interstate 29, just one hour north of the state’s largest city – Sioux Falls. Brookings is a safe, family-friendly, vibrant, thriving community with many amenities you would find in a much larger city but with a small-town feel. Residents enjoy the tree-lined streets, leisurely pace of living, a short commute time and a variety of career opportunities in a growing job market. Division I South Dakota State University creates a youthful and energetic atmosphere and provides residents with a multitude of athletic, cultural, educational and recreational activities.
The top-ranked Brookings School District offers small classroom sizes and highly qualified, experienced teachers. The city boasts an abundance of attractions and activities such as the Children’s Museum of S.D., Dakota Nature Park, S.D. Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, S.D. Ag Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center of S.D., Downtown at Sundown, and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival. Brookings is consistently ranked as a top place to live. Recent accolades include: #1 Best Place to Live in S.D., #25 Best City for Entrepreneurs, #2 Best School District in S.D., Top 10 Best Small Towns in America, Safest College Town in America, and the Top 25 Safest Cities in America. Learn more about Brookings by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT8OnH5eIgQ&feature=youtu.be.
