Financial Information & Student Services

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Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fee rates are set according to the policies of the South Dakota Board of Regents and are subject to change without prior notice.  For current information see the website: http://www.sdstate.edu/graduate/prospective/tuition.cfm or https://sdbor.edu/students/tuitionfees.htm.

Residency Requirements

In order to establish residency for tuition purposes you must live in South Dakota for twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding the first scheduled day of classes of the semester.  Attendance at the college or university controlled by the Board of Regents does not count in determining the twelve (12) month period of residence.

Residency qualifications for tuition purposes may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office at 605-688-4121.

Billing & Payment of Student Accounts

All tuition, fees, housing, food service and miscellaneous charges to student accounts will be on an electronic billing (eBilling) system and can be viewed on SDePay, a secured website via the Internet. Payment of the student account can also be made electronically (ePayment) through SDePay. Students can authorize parents, spouse and other individuals to view the eBill and make ePayment on their student account.

By the day after census date, each student makes a full payment of charges based on the number of registered credits, residency status, and campus housing. Late fees will be assessed starting on the day after the established payment due date. SDSU encourages students to mail payments before the due date. Payment of tuition and fees can be made by cash, check or electronic bank transfer directly to the University Cashier’s Office SAD 136 PO Box 2201, Brookings, SD 57007-2098.

Payment of tuition and fees using a debit or credit card can only be made through SDePay, electronic billing and payment system. American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted by SDePay. A 2.75 percent service fee is assessed by and payable to NelNet, host provider of SDePay. Authorized payers may view and pay the students’ account by going to the South Dakota Public Universities Authorized Payer login at SDePay (https://quikpayasp.com/sdbor/campus/studentaccounts/authorized.do).  Students may link to SDePay through their secure account on WebAdvisor (http://webadvisor.sdstate.edu/).

Late Charges

A fee is charged if tuition and fees are not paid during the regular established payment periods. Failure to satisfy financial obligations when due may result in a student’s administrative withdrawal from the University.

Indebtedness

If you are indebted to the University and do not satisfy financial obligations when due, you may be denied admission to the University. You may be administratively withdrawn from the University after notice from the University and you will not be permitted to register or receive a transcript of grades until the indebtedness is paid. This applies to your indebtedness to the University for tuition, fees, required deposits, room and board, financial aid, but not obligations due to student organizations. All accounts that the University is unable to collect will be submitted for collection and forwarded to a credit reporting bureau.  The University will recover from the debtor all collection fees and attorney’s fees that result from collection of an account.  

Fees for Auditing Courses

Regular tuition and fees, per credit, will be charged for auditing a course. Registration as an auditor is by petition. Auditing courses will be a matter of record (recorded on the academic transcript). Grades will be designated by the instructor as Audit Pass (AUP) or Audit Fail (AUF). Audit courses are not counted in calculating undergraduate or graduate full-time student status.

Thesis & Dissertation Fees

Students are responsible for following all deposition protocols and paying all archiving fees associated with a thesis or dissertation.  For more information go online to www.sdstate.edu/graduate/current/submission-instructions.cfm.

Refunds

SDSU processes student withdrawals in compliance with federal and Board of Regents policies. A petition process does exist for students or parents who feel that individual circumstances warrant exception from the published refund policy. Contact the Registrar, Enrollment Services Center, for information. (See SD BOR Policy 5:7)

Tuition & Fees Refund Policy

The end of the drop/add period for standard (those that conform to the regular semester schedule) and non-standard courses offered in a semester is the date the first 10 percent of the term ends or the day following the first class meeting, whichever is later.

Refunds for Dropped Courses

A student receives a 100 percent refund of tuition and per-credit-hour fees for courses dropped within the drop/add period. No refund shall be provided for courses dropped after that time, except by administrative action. Any course meeting within a standard semester but for less time than the standard semester shall be treated as a non-standard semester course for refund purposes. Courses offered during summer school session and correspondence courses are considered non-standard courses.

Students who withdraw, drop out, or are expelled within the drop/add period receive a 100 percent refund of tuition and per-credit-hour fees. Students who withdraw, drop out, or are expelled after the drop/add period for which they are assessed may be entitled to a pro-rated refund as set forth herein.

Refunds for Withdrawals

Students who withdraw from the University may be entitled to a refund of tuition and fees and institutional charges calculated through 60 percent of an enrollment period. The refund shall be determined by computing the percentage of an enrollment period remaining after the date of withdrawal multiplied times the tuition and fees originally assessed the student. At no time will refunds be awarded after the 60 percent point of the enrollment period.

Cancelled Registration

If a student’s registration is cancelled, no tuition and fee payment is due. If payments have been made, a student is eligible for a full refund.

Extensions & Waivers

The University president, or a designee, may extend or waive the time periods in the following circumstances:

1. The death of the student;
2. The student’s disabling condition or severe illness;
3. The death, disability, or severe illness of immediate family members causing severe financial hardship to the student;
4. Other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control.

Refunds for Residence Hall Fees

Students with a room contract who withdraw from the Regental system will receive a proportional refund at the time of withdrawal up to the 60 percent point after which no refund is available

Refunds for Food Service Fees

Students with a food service contract who withdraw from the Regental system will receive a proportional refund at the time of withdrawal up to the 60 percent point, after which no refund is available. The balance of flex plan dollars will be refunded at 100 percent.

Military Service - Withdrawal without Penalty

Academic Credit
Students required to withdraw from the Regental system before completing a semester may receive credit or refund privileges if they are regularly enrolled and belong to a military unit called for duty or are drafted and not eligible for deferment and the discontinuance of class attendance is on the last practicable day before reporting for duty as determined by the student’s home university. Eligible students who are required to report for military duty not earlier than four (4) calendar weeks prior to the date a semester ends as stated in the official catalog of the home university, or after completion of at least seventy-five per cent (75%) of the enrollment period in a non-standard semester course, may, when authorized by the instructor, be given full credit for all courses for which they have an average of “C” or better. Eligible students who receive credit, or an incomplete, in progress, or normal progress grade for any course for which they are enrolled shall not be entitled to any refund of tuition or fees paid. Eligible students who do not receive an incomplete, in progress, or normal progress grade or credit for a course in which they are enrolled shall be entitled to a full refund of tuition and academic fees.

Refunds for Room and Board
Refunds for room and board shall be pro-rata refunds for the entire semester. Board flex plans will be refunded at 100% of the unused value.

Refunds for Books
Refunds for books for military personnel called up for active duty is as follows:

1. New books with no markings or writing – 100% of purchase price
2. New books with highlighting or writing – 75% of purchase price
3. Books purchased used – 100% of used price

Books must be returned within the semester. Normal campus refund policies apply to books that are not returned prior to the end of the semester.

Federal Financial Aid Recipients

The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions to use the Return of Title IV Funds policy for students withdrawing from school and who are receiving Federal Title IV student financial aid. Title IV funds refers to the federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and includes the following programs: Federal Stafford Direct Loan, Unsubsidized Stafford Direct Loans, Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal Supplemental Grants. Also, the Federal Nursing Loans and Federal Health Professions Loans use the Return to Title IV Funds calculation.

A student’s withdrawal date is 1) When the student began the withdrawal process or officially notified SDSU of intent to withdraw by contacting the SDSU Registrar’s Office; or 2) The midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying SDSU; or at SDSU’s option, the student’s last documented date of academically-related activity.

Return of Title IV Funds
When a student receiving federal financial Title IV financial aid withdraws from SDSU during the enrollment period, the amount of the Title IV funds (not including Federal Work Study) that the student earned during the enrollment period is calculated as of the student’s withdrawal date. Title IV funds are earned at a fixed rate on a per day basis up to the 60 percent point in the enrollment period. Title IV funds are 100 percent earned if the withdrawal date is after the 60 percent point in that period.

If the date a student withdraws from SDSU is prior to or on the 60% point of the semester, SDSU is required to determine the portion of the aid disbursed that was “earned” by the student before the withdrawal date. The “unearned” Title IV funds must be returned to the respective federal aid programs. Unearned aid is the amount of disbursed Title IV aid that exceeds the amount of Title IV aid earned based on attendance in the enrollment period.

For students who fail to officially withdraw when they stop attending classes and are assigned an “F” grade for all courses for the semester, the Return to Title IV Funds policy requires SDSU to calculate the “earned” amount based on the 50 percent point of the semester. Unearned federal aid must be returned as described above. If a student was disbursed aid after the 50 percent point of the semester, the student is assumed ineligible for those funds and will be required to return those funds.

Responsibilities of SDSU include providing information on the Return of Title IV Funds policy and procedure to students. This information is available at www.sdstate.edu and from the SDSU Financial Aid Office. SDSU is also responsible to complete calculations of the Return of Title IV Funds for federal financial aid recipients who are withdrawing from SDSU and to return any Title IV funds to the respective Title IV funds account. The student is responsible to repay any Title IV funds that the student was determined to be ineligible for via the Return to Title IV funds calculation.

Financial Aid

Student financial assistance programs are administered through the student Financial Aid Office in the Enrollment Services Center. They may be contacted at 605-688-4695 or via e-mail at finaid@sdstate.edu for more information. Graduate assistantships, fellowships, and traineeships are administered by the department or program involved.  Students enrolled in SDSU certificate programs are not eligible for federal student financial aid. The non-federal alternative loan programs may be used for students meeting the lender criteria as found at www.sdstate.edu (alternative loans). Please contact the SDSU Financial Aid Office, Box 511A, Enrollment Services Center, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone 605-688-4695, or E-mail: sdsu.finaid@sdstate.edu for specific applications, forms, and information. Additional information can be accessed online: http://www.sdstate.edu/admissions/financing/index.cfm.

Student Services

Detailed information on Student Life and Services is found in the Undergraduate Catalog.  (http://catalog.sdstate.edu)

Academic Testing Center

Students needing testing information (GRE, TOEFL, etc.) may contact the Academic Testing Center located in the Old Foundation Building (920 9th Street, northwest entrance), Telephone 605-688-4217 or by E-mail: sdsu_assessment@sdstate.edu.

Bookstore

Located in the University Student Union SSU 146, the University Bookstore (www.sdstatebookstore.com) sells textbooks, merchandise and other supplies. Telephone:  605-688-6392.

Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services coordinates services for students with a wide range of disabilities. Services include coordinating testing accommodations, the acquisition of alternative format texts, classroom accommodations, referral to other service agencies, and coordinating additional services based on the individual needs of the student. For more information contact the Office of Disability Services at 605-688-4504 or go online to www.sdstate.edu/campus/disability/index.cfm.

English Language & Culture Institute

Develop academic English proficiency, explore American culture, and learn to communicate with confidence at South Dakota State University. The SDSU English Language & Culture Institute (ELCI) prepares students for the rigors of post-secondary academics, allowing them to communicate at high levels. The ELCI focuses on academic English, while enhancing students’ cognitive abilities and real-world problem-solving skills in the English context. Students are challenged to think beyond simply building language skills to embrace the attitude of learning.  The program offers student-centered teaching, critical thinking curriculum, focused instruction, progressive levels, and limited class sizes.  For more information call 605-688-5076 or visit www.sdstate.edu/international-affairs/esl/.

Housing and Food Service

Prospective graduate students should inquire about rooms or apartments on-campus from the Department of Residential Life well in advance of registration. Information regarding off-campus housing is also available from the Department of Residential Life.  Housing and Residential Life is located on the first floor of Caldwell Hall. Residential Life can be contacted at 605-688-5148 or for more information visit: www.sdstate.edu/reslife/. Students may select a dining services plan by visiting Card Services in the University Student Union Room 144 or purchase Resident Meal Plans.

International Affairs, Office of

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is the comprehensive home for international student and scholar services, international undergraduate admission, study abroad planning, and community connections programs. All services and activities are intended to help enrich the experience of international students here at SDSU and to help expand global engagement for all students, faculty and staff.

Formerly the Office of International Programs, the department was initially established in 1988 and was focused on creating a number of international education and research exchange partnerships. Today, OIA has educational partners on six continents and has expanded its focus to include international student services.

Study abroad staff advise faculty in planning SDSU-based global educational options and advise students of their study abroad options.
International student and scholars staff provide guidance and administrative support to hundreds of international students from over 60 countries.
Staff members also support the International Relations Council and its events and outreach, as well as help connect the campus community with International students and global issues through its Connections programs.

OIA has a variety of partners and affiliates. For more information, refer to www.sdstate.edu/international-affairs.

Hilton M. Briggs Library

Library services and collections are housed in the Briggs Library, which is named for President Hilton M. Briggs, who served the University from 1958 to 1975. Library collections consist of more than 675,000 bound volumes, 640,000 government documents, 18,000 e-books, 38,000 online journals and other electronic resources.

Briggs Library users have access to book, journal, archives, map and government documents collections as well as wireless networking, laptop loans and more than 80 public computer workstations providing access to the Internet, to library databases, and to software such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, statistical packages and more. Briggs Library contains group study/conference rooms for student use, informal lounge areas, and photocopiers and scanners. Special collections of congressional papers, archival, state and local history, and curriculum materials are available for students, faculty, and researchers. In addition, materials from thousands of other libraries worldwide are available through interlibrary loan. The Briggs Library building is also the home of International Affairs and Outreach, the Center for the enhancement of Teaching and Learning, and the Writing Center.

The faculty and staff of Briggs Library are proud of the services they offer to the SDSU community, as well as to distance students and faculty at Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre and other locations throughout South Dakota and the U.S. Each year they teach hundreds of classes on information literacy and the use of library resources. They respond to thousands of information requests annually through personal contacts, via telephone at 605-688-5107, and by means of e-mail, online chat and texting. Look for the “Ask Us” link on the library homepage: www.sdstate.edu/library.

MyJacks Card

The student identification card, now known as the MyJacks Card, can be used as a prepaid debit card to access prepaid accounts. In addition to its use in for the student meal plans, the MyJacks Card provides a prepaid account called Hobo Dough.  This account can be used for the bookstore, campus vending, laundry, photocopying and printing, and at selected off-campus businesses. Students may load funds at the Card Services office in the Student Union, the Briggs Library, Larson Commons, or Online. Upon graduation or leaving the University, these funds ($5.00 or more) will be returned in full upon request. No service charges are assessed for active accounts. However, accounts inactive for six (6) months or more are assessed a monthly service charge. If the service charge exceeds the account balance, the account is automatically closed.  For complete information regarding your MyJacks Card visit www.myjackscard.com.  

Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs provides services and activities that are designed to help students gain the greatest benefit from their University education. The following departments are included in Student Affairs: Admissions, New Student Orientation, Office of Enrollment Services (Financial Aid, Records and Registration, and Scholarships), Office of Student Conflict Prevention, Management, and Conduct Services, Residential Life, The Union, Office of Student Engagement (Student Organizations, Greek Life, Program Board, Career Center), Multicultural Center/Student Support Services (Disability Services, Upward Bound, TRIO Student Support Services, Veterans Resource Center, African American, Latino, and GLBT student support), University Dining Services, and Wellness (Intramurals and Club Sports, Recreation, and Student Health & Counseling). If you have questions or need information about any of these areas, contact the Vice President for Student Affairs office in SAD 312, phone 605-688-4493.  

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center is dedicated to supporting academic success and personal development by promoting and encouraging healthy lifestyle for the members of the SDSU community. The Wellness Center houses state of the art fitness equipment, a variety of recreational and intramural programs, effective wellness education, and a student health clinic and counseling center. Services and programs provided are detailed below. Further information about the Wellness Center is available at 605-697-WELL(9355), E-mail: sdsu.wellnesscenter@sdstate.edu, or go online to www.sdstate.edu/wellness-center.

Fitness - We strive to provide current and diverse programming to enhance life-long health and well-being. Knowledgeable professionals serve the students, faculty, and community to assist them in making appropriate decisions about their fitness and nutritional desires. A varied menu of activities and programs are offered including: cardio and weight equipment; land, water and Spinning classes; walking/running track; pool; three gyms; a climbing pinnacle and bouldering wall. Staff can provide personal orientation, personal fitness evaluations, and can design a personal program to meet fitness goals. For further information regarding the Wellness Center, hours, and its services, call 605-688-6415 or go online to www.sdstate.edu/wellness-center.

Nutrition Counseling - We believe that nutrition is an important aspect of being healthy. The Wellness Center offers nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian for dietary lifestyle changes, college weight gain, specialized plans for specific health conditions, and eating disorders. Appointments can be made through the Student Health Clinic by calling 605-688-4157.

Intramural Sports - The Intramural Program provides the opportunity for all activity-fee-paying students, both undergraduate and graduate, to participate in organized and informal sports as regularly as their time and interests permit. SDSU faculty and staff, that are members of the SDSU Wellness Center, are also encouraged to join a student intramural team and/or start their own faculty/staff team and compete in the intramural program. Activities are organized on an individual, team, and club basis. Leagues are established for women, men, and mixed (co-rec) competition activities. There are multiple recreational sports including flag football, 3-on-3 basketball, volleyball, basketball, softball, and many more to choose from. Intramural registration is online at www.imleagues.com.

Sport Clubs - Sport clubs offer specialized participation ranging from a social setting on campus, to instructional programming, to competition with clubs from other universities within the region. There are multiple club sports opportunities including hockey, rugby, men’s soccer, cricket, bowling, and ultimate Frisbee which compete regionally giving SDSU students additional recreation opportunities. For further information, contact the Intramural Staff at 605-688-6881.

Student Health Clinic  - The Health Clinic provides primary care for illnesses and injuries, laboratory diagnostics, reproductive health, physical examinations, immunizations, international travel health, and nutritional counseling to SDSU students. All SDSU students are eligible for services. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. when classes are in session. During summer and academic breaks limited appointments are available. For further information or to make an appointment call 605-688-4157. For more information, visit www.sdstate.edu/wellness-center/clinic.

Jackrabbit Pharmacy -The Pharmacy serves all eligible SDSU students, faculty/staff, their family members, and Family Planning patients. The SDSU Jackrabbit Pharmacy accepts prescriptions from doctors outside of the student health clinic. We offer competitively priced over-the-counter and prescription medications along with discounted birth control. For more information, call 605-688-5410 or visit www.sdstate.edu/wellness-center/pharmacy.

Brookings Family Planning - The family planning services provide education, counseling, medical, and birth control services along with pregnancy testing and sexually transmitted Infections (STI) screenings. Cost of services is based on family income and size. Anyone (student or non-student) is eligible to receive these services.  For more information or to make an appointment, call 605-688-6622 or visit www.sdstate.edu/wellness-center/family.

Counseling Services - Counseling Services provide individual and group counseling to students with emotional, behavioral, and/or academic concerns to promote retention and success at SDSU. Common issues include mood disorders, substance use/abuse, relationship concerns, and personal and professional growth. All SDSU students are eligible for services. Counselors are available for emergencies after hours during the school year by contacting UPD at 605-688-5117, who will then contact the counselor on-call. For further information, call 605-688-6146 or visit www.sdstate.edu/wellness-center/counseling.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programs - SDSU, through the Department of Student Health and Counseling Services, provides alcohol and drug abuse information and prevention programs to the campus community. Alcohol and drug abuse assessment is available on an individual basis. Counseling and medical services are available to students and referrals to other agencies are available to everyone on campus. For further information, call 605-688-6146 or 605-688-4157.