<p>Established in 1862, University of South Dakota serves as the flagship and the only public liberal arts university in the state. The school offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs within the South Dakota System of Higher Education. Top undergraduate fields of study at USD include Nursing, Business, Health Sciences, Elementary Education, Kinesiology &amp; Sport Management, Biology/Medical Biology, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Accounting, and Media &amp; Journalism.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>University of South Dakota is regionally acclaimed and nationally recognized as a high-quality public liberal arts university with South Dakota’s only schools of law, medicine and business. The school is recognized for the quality of their faculty, demonstrated by their excellent teaching, effective service and innovative research. USD’s faculty are dedicated, experts in their fields and accessible to their students. USD educates leaders of communities, states and nations.</p><p><br></p><p>University of South Dakota is the most affordable Flagship University of non-residents according to College Board.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Why University of South Dakota</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li><u>Location:</u>&nbsp;USD is located on an attractive 274-acre campus in Vermillion, a small community nestled along the bluffs above the Missouri River in the southeast corner of South Dakota. Vermillion serves as a safe, welcoming host for the university and recreational and cultural opportunities abound in town, the nearby countryside and in neighboring communities.</li><li><u>Student Organizations:</u>&nbsp;The University of South Dakota has over 210 student organizations that are officially recognized by the Student Government Association. Student organizations at the University of South Dakota are based on, centered around, led, governed, and directed by students. These organizations make a difference in the lives of students by creating a connection to campus, the community, and their peers. Student organizations on campus are based on an array of topics, interests, and fields of study. The large number of organizations allows students to connect with a group of peers with similar interests. When coupled with the dedication of its student members, the campus culture is greatly enriched. Student organizations have a real and profound effect on the University and the outside world through their vision, goals and accomplishments.&nbsp;</li><li><u>Campus Dining:</u>&nbsp;Conveniently located throughout campus, students will find many restaurants, buffets, food-courts, and express options. Residential Dining is all you care to eat, which features full breakfast, lunch or dinner, with international entrées, grill, deli, salad bar and more!</li><li><u>Athletics:</u>&nbsp;The University of South Dakota athletic department has tremendous pride and a tradition of excellence that dates back to competition in the 1880s. South Dakota sponsors 18 varsity programs including football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s track and field (indoor and outdoor), men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s golf, women’s volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s tennis, softball, and women’s triathlon. The Coyotes’ football team, which competes at the FCS level, is a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Other varsity sports compete in The Summit League.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p>