Ferrari: So guys, welcome to South Dakota State University, home of the Jackrabbits. I'm Ferrari St. Paul with Youniversity TV and I am in the Rabbit's Den ready to get this tour started. So let's get hoppin'. Located in eastern South Dakota, the city of Brookings is a friendly college town. SDSU's location is in the heart of the Midwest with an easy drive for students from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

Plenty of great places to eat if you're just looking to go out eat with some friends, watch some, you know, TV, watch the game on TV.

Ferrari: This Land Grant University covers 272 acres of prairie with a large, sprawling open campus and plenty of green, grassy spaces to relax and study. You can't miss this campus landmark. The Coughlin Campanile is a 165 foot brick monument that plays chimes twice every hour. We are 179 steps away from a beautiful view of the city. SDSU is the largest university in South Dakota with an enrollment of over 12,000 students. The student body is made up of 52% women, 48% men, 12% ethnic and 2% international students from all 50 states and 40 countries. The student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1 with an average class size of between 25 and 30.

We have rolling admissions, so students can apply any time. We take a look at two different areas for admission requirements. Our first area is what we call our three "ors". A student has to have at least one of these three things: Rank in the top 60% of their graduating class, or have at least an 18 on their ACT, or have at least a 2.6 GPA. And then we go on to take a look at the courses that they've taken in high school.

Ferrari: South Dakota residents will pay close to $12,000 for yearly tuition including book fees, room, board and meal plan. Those that are coming from outside of the state pay closer to $13,500.

The school is certainly very affordable if you compare our costs with schools across the nation. You can see there's a lot of bang for your buck here.

Ferrari: South Dakota offers over 200 majors and minors with their eight colleges, engineering, pharmacy, nursing and biology are just a few popular majors among students.

We teach to the freshmen. We really do a lot of career exploration. What we want to make sure is they're choosing the right major. We have them go out and interview a professional. Actually I tell them to find somebody who's in their dream job and they will spend time with that person. I try to get them out so they're actually meeting somebody in the career rather than just speculating what it might be about.

Ferrari: SDSU is known for their agricultural science programs with seven research farms for study in addition to the main campus.

It's a well-rounded campus and it does present many, many majors for students and which lead to diverse career opportunities.

Ferrari: 70% of SDSU's faculty have their doctorate and 69% have obtained the highest degree in their field.

Great faculty here on campus that are very concerned about students. In my major, you know, very concerned about what I want to be and how to get me there career-wise.

Ferrari: The SDSU Jackrabbits compete at the NCAA Division I level with 21 athletic teams. Equestrian competitions are the newest addition to South Dakota sports. South Dakota State requires all students to live on campus for their first two years. Incoming freshmen have the choice of eight residence halls. All are co-ed and one is suite-style. Plus, there are two on-campus apartment buildings for those upper classmen who choose to stay on the grounds.

I think living in the residence halls is an experience that everyone should have at least once. You're more likely to attend student events. You're more likely to get involved and activities, just because you're right here and it's available to you and made known to you.

Ferrari: South Dakota State has over 200 student organizations. Some of the more unique ones include then skydiving club and Muggles for Harry, in honor of Harry Potter. Choose from dozens of intramural club sports that play year-round or go Greek.

Since I've been here I got to go to the Rose Bowl parade with the marching band, I helped rebuild in New Orleans with the Center for Diversity Enhancement, I went Yellowstone National Park and took a class there for a week and I just got back from a month in Africa.

Ferrari: Don't miss SDSU's annual homecoming celebration, better known as Hobo Day.

I get to personally be a part of the Hobo Day tradition. Different activities that happen with that, we dress up as hobos sometimes on one day or a couple of days throughout the week. This year we've had a big bonfire out by the football field. There's a talent show during that week. Then there's the big parade and the game, of course. And game day is just crazy and it's a huge -- it's a lot of fun. Everybody -- you know, people still come back for Hobo Days and I plan on coming back for Hobo Days for years to come.

Ferrari: Plus, a very special appearance by the Fun Mobile, a 1912 Model-T Ford.

The Fun Mobile and get this old vehicle that doesn't really run very well but you get to kind of jump in and see if it'll make it through the parade route.

Ferrari: South Dakota State has its own Wellness Center complete with a climbing tower, interactive spinning classes, a juice bar and, of course, the Jackrabbit Pharmacy, 73,000 square feet of healthy living. The SDSU Dairy Barn. 10,000 pounds of milk is processed here every week, which means a lot of butter, 24 different types of cheese including this Jackrabbit Blue and Gold. And most importantly, 90 flavors of ice cream and sherbet. Cookies and cream was invented here. So if you want to make sure you'll be earning your bread and butter, sign up for South Dakota State University today. Before we say good bye, the school's Fun Mobile is making a very special appearance for us. Usually you can't catch a glimpse of this unless you're at a homecoming celebration. But today, I'm getting to roll out in style.

[ Background Music ]