“Cultivating leaders through hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and a welcoming global community.”
Founded in 1862 in Vermillion, USD is the state's flagship public research university. It offers over 200 undergraduate and 75 graduate programs across various fields—including law, medicine, business, arts & sciences—on a scenic campus. With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 15:1, USD emphasizes personalized learning, undergraduate research, and strong ties to community and professional life.