Donate

Schools DB

Workspace

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

Vermillion, SD / School Detail
School Detail Interview Feedback Secondary Essays
APPLICATION FEE
$35
Tuition In State
$33,036
Tuition Out of State
$79,166
Average GPA
3.79
AVERAGE MCAT
509

School Overview

Degrees
MD
Ownership
Public Non-Profit
Program Length
4 years
Total Enrollment
58
Founding Year
1907
Accreditation Year
1942
Has any information changed? Report an update.

SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $274,401
Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for USDSM using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.

Cost of Living: Below national average cost of living

Vermillion, SD is about 0.79x the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment lowers the living allowance from $3,000 to about $2,370 per month. Local rent and commuting choices can still move your actual budget meaningfully.

Environment: Large Rural

Nestled in an area with excellent walkability and strong biking infrastructure, USDSM offers students flexibility in how they get around. Whether on foot or bike, most destinations are easily accessible, making for a convenient daily routine.

Interview Feedback

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 38% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did well.

Read Feedback Interview Prep Add Feedback

Secondary Essays for USDSM

1. Motivation and Fit
Explain how your experiences and long-term goals would help meet the school’s mission. (1500 characters)
2. Community, Diversity, and Equity
Explain how your background and experiences with diversity will bring value to the school. (1500 characters)
3. Understanding and Commitment to Medicine
Describe how your experiences in health care or social care activities will help you become a good physician. (1500 characters)
4. Personal Experiences and Challenges
Briefly describe a crisis or significant challenge in your life, how you overcame it, and what you learned. (1500 characters)
5. Career Goals and Future Aspirations
What are your career plans if you are not admitted to medical school this year or after several applications? (1500 characters)
Read More Essay Questions Add Essay Questions

About the School

The University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine is nationally known for excellence in medical education. With its award-winning curriculum, the school prepares medical students to practice in all fields of medicine and is particularly recognized for its reputation in family medicine and in rural medicine. In addition to the M.D., the school of medicine offers graduate degrees in basic biomedical science, sustains a vibrant and forward-looking research agenda, and is home to the interdisciplinary Center for Brain and Behavioral Research.

Curriculum

As a community-based program, the curriculum emphasizes family medicine and primary care with the support and participation by practicing physicians and community hospitals throughout the state. Community hospitals and clinics provide teaching sites and the practicing physicians are teachers.

Facilities

The first two years of basic science education are delivered in Vermillion. The third year of the program is provided in community settings and hospitals in Sioux Falls, the Rapid City area and Yankton. The fourth year is provided in hospitals and ambulatory clinics across the entire state of South Dakota.

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2025