FASTTRACK Admission

South Dakota’s Public University Direct Admissions Program

Attending a four-year university is a significant step towards a bright and successful future. Through the South Dakota Board of Regents Fast Track Admission Pilot Program, we’re simplifying the traditional application process for our state universities. Currently, eligible students from Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, and Spearfish public high schools can participate in the pilot program.

Based on academic achievements, students can now be directly admitted to some or all of the following institutions:

  • Black Hills State University – Spearfish
  • Black Hills State University – Rapid City (non-residential)
  • Dakota State University – Madison
  • Northern State University – Aberdeen
  • South Dakota Mines – Rapid City
  • South Dakota State University – Brookings
  • University of South Dakota – Vemillion
  • University of South Dakota – Sioux Falls (non-residential)

Eligible students will receive notification about the universities they could be directly admitted to as early as their junior year in high school. From there, students can identify which universities, degrees, or careers they may be interested in. Our campus teams will work with the students every step of the way to ensure they have the resources they need to make well-informed decisions.

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Activate Your Fast Track Admission!

Activate your Fast Track Admission by selecting the universities and career paths you may be interested in. We will use this information to help find the perfect match for your future goals.
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College Readiness Resources

Wondering how to get prepared for college? Look no further. Our Dakota Dreams has college preparation resources to help get you started for what’s next in your academic journey.

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Black Hills State Rapid City Campus
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University of South Dakota - Sioux Falls

EXPLORE OUR SCHOOLS | Students are encouraged to learn more about all of our universities and what makes them unique. Whether you are interested in health sciences, education, business, engineering or fine arts there are programs and opportunities for all students!

Fast Track Admission Resources

The college process doesn’t need to be intimidating! There are many resources to help you feel prepared, confident and excited about the future.

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Activate Your Fast Track Admission

Fast Track Admission Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions Guide – For Students/Families

College Prep Checklists:
– 11th Grade
– 12th Grade

Fast Track Website, Translation Link

When looking for a college, there are several important factors to consider:

1. Choose a major that aligns with your career goals. If you’re unsure about your career goals, think about the high school classes and subjects you enjoy the most and explore career options in those areas using resources like SDMyLife. Remember that your career interests may evolve over time, so it’s beneficial to consider colleges that offer various program options.

2. Find a college that feels like home. One way to determine if a college is a good fit for you is to experience its campus. You can take virtual campus tours, arrange college visits, attend in-person events, and talk to admissions representatives at your high school or college fairs.

3. Look for student experiences that match your interests. Colleges provide a range of out-of-class opportunities, such as student activities and clubs. Explore these options to see which college offers experiences that align with your interests and allow you to explore your leadership abilities and build community.

4. Consider the value of college. While the cost of college is important, it’s essential also to consider the earning potential of the degree you’ll receive. In most cases, the long-term earning potential with a degree will outweigh the cost of your education. Take advantage of financial aid opportunities and scholarships to make attending college more affordable.

South Dakota students have a variety of options when it comes to paying for their education, from state-level scholarships to federal financial aid.

Financial aid provides money to assist you in paying for college. Grants and scholarships, federal student loans (that need to be repaid, plus interest), and work-study programs are all part of financial aid. Understanding your financial aid options is a critical part of planning and paying for your college education. Make sure you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive need-based and federal financial aid; it is also required for some scholarships.

Scholarships | Scholarships are dollars awarded to students based on achievement (merit-based), financial need (need-based), and other factors. Learn more about South Dakota’s premier scholarships and browse the Statewide Scholarship Bulletin Board on ourdakotadreams.com to find numerous scholarship opportunities.

Grants | Grants don’t have to be paid back. Typically, technical colleges and universities will consider awarding them to students without the need to complete a separate application aside from the FAFSA. Grants are often awarded based on financial needs and other factors. Students may need to maintain a specific status to continue to receive grant funds.

Loans | Loans are money borrowed from the federal government or a private lender, such as a bank or credit union. Federal loans should be your first choice for education loans because they typically offer the lowest interest rates, are easy to qualify for, and offer the most flexible repayment plans.

High School Dual Credit (HSDC) courses give high school students who meet admissions standards the opportunity to enroll in public technical colleges and universities in South Dakota while still in high school. Students taking HSDC courses simultaneously earn credits for both their high school diploma and college degree or certificate.

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to start your college career before high school graduation – saving you time and money! Click here to learn more.

Educators

“When I travel around the country, meeting with students, businesspeople, and others interested in the economy, I am occasionally asked for investment advice… I know the answer to the question, and I will share it with you today:
Education is the Best Investment.”

– Former Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke

The Benefits of College

South Dakota’s public universities offer an excellent education with big benefits! Choosing the right path after high school is a pivotal decision that shapes your future. A South Dakota public university education offers a wealth of opportunities that go beyond the classroom. Here’s why attending any of our schools can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make:

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Embrace the 605!

Attending an in-state university allows you to celebrate South Dakota’s unique culture and grow your network. From professors and mentors to classmates and alumni, you’ll build a network that can support you throughout your career. Universities often host events, workshops, and networking sessions to help you connect with industry leaders and peers.

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Get a head start on your career!

In-state universities often have strong connections within the local job market. Many degree programs offer internships, job shadowing, and career services to help you gain practical experience and connect with potential employers.

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Make smart financial choices!

In-state tuition at South Dakota’s public universities is often significantly lower than out-of-state rates, and we extend in-state tuition to many of our Midwest neighbors. Beyond the immediate savings, the investment in a four-year degree reaps long-term rewards with higher starting salaries and enhanced financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fast Track Admission is a new pilot program in South Dakota that simplifies the college application process for participating universities based on their academic achievements. Eligible students from participating districts will receive a notification through US mail and email during the spring of their junior year listing the universities where they could be directly admitted – without even having to apply! To participate, students must activate their Fast Track Admission by selecting their universities of interest on the Fast Track Activation Form provided with their notification.

High schools in three school districts—Aberdeen, Spearfish, and Sioux Falls — are participating in the Fast Track Admission pilot program. Only students enrolled in those participating high schools are eligible to participate. The program aims to expand to additional South Dakota high schools in future years.

The Fast Track Admission program aims to help students easily transition from high school to college. By simplifying the traditional application process and assuring students they have already met admissions criteria, we hope to reduce students’ anxiety around accessing college so they can focus on which school is their best fit based on interests and financial aid opportunities.

South Dakota has both comprehensive regional and research universities participating in the Fast Track Admission pilot program. These include the following:

  • Black Hills State University – Spearfish
  • Black Hills State University – Rapid City (non-residential)
  • Dakota State University – Madison
  • Northern State University – Aberdeen
  • South Dakota Mines – Rapid City
  • South Dakota State University – Brookings
  • University of South Dakota – Vermillion
  • University of South Dakota – Sioux Falls (non-residential)

*Dakota State University and South Dakota Mines joined the Fast Track Admission pilot in Spring 2025.

Your high school volunteered to participate in the Fast Track Admission program, and you were included because the South Dakota Board of Regents determined that you are on track to graduate and meet the academic criteria for general admission the universities identified in your Fast Track Admission letter.

Check out the Fast Track Admission website at sdbor.edu/fast-track for more information! If eligible students have questions, they should complete their Fast Track Activation Form, so the universities of their interest can work with them directly.

Fast Track Admission doesn’t obligate you to attend any of the universities on your list.

South Dakota Codified Law (13-28-50) allows school districts to share directory information with the South Dakota Board of Regents. In addition, participating high schools, the South Dakota Department of Education, and the Board of Regents completed the necessary data-sharing agreements and memorandums of understanding to ensure compliance with all applicable data privacy and security regulations. To share a high school transcript, applicants must complete the Fast Track Activation, and consent must be given by either a student over 18 or the parent/guardian of a student under 18.

Next Steps for Fast Track Eligible Students

The first thing you should do is activate your Fast Track Admission by selecting your school(s) of interest on the Fast Track Activation Form found with your notification letter.

After you submit your Fast Track Activation Form, representatives from your universities of interest will follow up with you to address needs, answer questions, discuss financial aid, scholarships, etc. You will not be committed to any institution until you notify an admissions representative that you’ve made the decision to enroll to their campus.

Yes! Selecting more than one school can be a great idea, especially if you’re still deciding what you want to study. Be sure to name all the universities of interest when you submit your FAFSA. This will ensure you receive financial aid information for all potential schools; use this comparison to help you make your final choice.

No problem! If you want to update the information you originally entered into your Fast Track Activation Form, you can update your selections by submitting a new Fast Track Activation Form.

No! You do not need to complete a traditional application to the universities where you could be directly admitted; however, some majors may have additional requirements. You just need to activate your Fast Track Admission by selecting your school(s) of interest on the Fast Track Activation Form included with your notification letter. If you are interested in colleges not on your Fast Track Admission list, please apply through their regular application process.

While the universities participating in the Fast Track Admission program do not require students to submit ACT or SAT scores, students should still consult their websites to learn more about their current testing recommendations. Be aware that certain scholarships require an ACT or SAT score.

No, participating universities are waiving application fees for students who have earned Fast Track Admission.

No need to worry about any applications you may have already submitted! Your application will still be processed and there is no need to re-apply. Please note that if you have already paid an application fee, it will not be refunded.

No problem! If you do not want to attend one of the schools listed in your Fast Track Admission letter, do not select that school on the Fast Track Activation Form.

Choosing a university

No! Fast Track Admission just shows which schools you could be accepted to without submitting a traditional application.

The best place to get more information about programs or campus life is to visit each university’s website or OurDakotaDreams.com. When you select the school(s) you are interested in, university representatives will follow up to provide information. Campus visits are also a great way to learn more!

Just because you don’t see a college of interest on your list, doesn’t mean you can’t be admitted there. It just means either the necessary academic criteria weren’t met for direct admission or the college you are looking for isn’t participating in the Fast Track Admission program. You are encouraged to complete applications to any colleges you are interested in even if you weren’t offered Fast Track Admission.

Paying for school

We encourage all students to apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is used to determine eligibility for both federal and state financial aid programs. Grants are based on the cost of the college chosen, family size, and income. The FAFSA will open October 1.

There is not a scholarship connected with your Fast Track Admission offer, but we encourage all students to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible to determine all financial aid they may be eligible for. Colleges themselves also offer many scholarships, so you’ll want to check with your top choices to learn more and apply. Additional financial aid information and scholarship resources can be found on OurDakotaDreams.com.

The best place to get up-to-date information on tuition and fees is through the college website. However, you can learn more about the cost of college attendance at OurDakotaDreams.com. Please note that the costs shown are before financial aid is applied, so your actual costs may vary depending on your financial aid eligibility.

The federal Student Aid website or the Our Dakota Dreams website are great places to start. You may also want to check out the financial aid section of each college you are interested in to find out more about their deadlines and application process for scholarships and other types of college funded aid.

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