Benefits

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits, competitive with not only the top employers in the region, but other educational institutions across the nation. Explore our medical, dental and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, 11 paid holidays and generous vacation and sick leave. Because we’re passionate about education, we have access to a breadth of internal and state-sponsored training programs as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. 

Health Benefits 

The State of South Dakota currently provides South Dakota State University employees with a choice of four health insurance plan options - two high deductible plans and two low deductible plans.

More information can be found at the Bureau of Human Resources’ Benefit Page. Open enrollment is usually in May each year. New employees have 30 days from the start date to enroll in benefits. 

Flexible Benefits 

South Dakota State University offers several flexible benefits that eligible employees may elect. This allows employees to build a benefits package that is relevant to their needs.

 Dental  Vision  Flexible Spending Accounts
 AFLAC  Short-term Disability  Life Insurance 
 Hospital Indemnity Plan  Accident Insurance Plan

Employee Well-being Program

The State of South Dakota’s employee well-being program, LiveWellSD, empowers employees and their families to take charge of their total well-being to live their best life at work and at home. Whether employees want to be more physically fit, socially connected, emotionally balanced, or financially secure, we have resources to support the well-being journey. Participating in well-being activities brings many rewards – increased energy, decreased stress, and a happier and more enjoyable life. Employees participating on the health plan can also earn up to $900 per fiscal year towards an HRA or HSA depending on the health plan selection.

Retirement Plan 

The South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) is a cost-sharing, multiple employer, public employee retirement system. SDRS provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits for employees of the state of South Dakota and its political subdivisions. SDRS is a qualified defined benefit retirement plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and is exempt from Federal income taxes. 

• 6-8% fully matched retirement plan
• Supplemental Retirement Plan - Similar to 401K
• Fully vested after three years of service