Best South Dakota Colleges & Universities

South Dakota College Rankings

With all the important factors that contribute to selecting a school, researching colleges can quickly become overwhelming. To aid in the college search, we have compiled the list below that ranks South Dakota colleges and universities based on factors like tuition cost and graduation rates. Check out the top-ranking schools in South Dakota for the school year below.

Methodology +

Minimum Qualifications

• Located in South Dakota
• Public or private not-for-profit
• Institutionally accredited
• At least 5 total programs

Ranking Metrics

• Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
• In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
• Student/teacher ratio
• % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Availability of placement services upon completion
• Availability of academic/career counseling services
• Availability of employment services
• 3-year student cohort loan default rate

Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

• Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

• Latest data available as of Fall 2016

Minimum Qualifications

• Located in South Dakota
• Public or private not-for-profit
• Institutionally accredited
• At least 10 total programs

Ranking Metrics

• Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
• In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
• Student/teacher ratio
• 6-year graduation rate
• % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Availability of placement services upon completion
• Availability of academic/career counseling services
• Availability of employment services
• 3-year student cohort loan default rate

Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

• Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

• Latest data available as of Fall 2016

• 2-Year Colleges
• 4-Year Colleges

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Description	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Mitchell Technical Institute	99.84	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 25%		64%	N/A	4	N/A	Yes	Yes
2	Lake Area Technical Institute	99.82	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 30%		65%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
3	Southeast Technical Institute	99.77	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 5%		37%	N/A	8	N/A	Yes	Yes
4	Western Dakota Technical Institute	98.85	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		44%	N/A	4	N/A	Yes	Yes
5	Kilian Community College	87.01	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 27%		6%	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes
6	Sisseton Wahpeton College	86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		7%	N/A	0	N/A	No	No

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Description	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Augustana College	99.7	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		66%	61%	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
2	South Dakota State University	96.62	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 53%		56%	92%	16	N/A	Yes	Yes
3	University of South Dakota	94.28	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 63%		45%	89%	11	N/A	Yes	Yes
4	University of Sioux Falls	94.21	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		48%	97%	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
5	South Dakota School of Mines and Technology	94.02	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 60%		55%	88%	3	N/A	Yes	No
6	Dakota Wesleyan University	93.07	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$ $$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 98%		41%	73%	4	N/A	Yes	Yes
7	Mount Marty College	92.94	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$ $$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 92%		51%	72%	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
8	Presentation College	91.25	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%		44%	57%	6	N/A	No	Yes
9	Northern State University	91.06	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 67%		46%	83%	16	N/A	Yes	Yes
10	Dakota State University	89.99	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 58%		42%	84%	17	N/A	Yes	Yes
11	Black Hills State University	88.02	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 38%		37%	94%	6	N/A	Yes	No
12	Sinte Gleska University	86.63	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 69%		33%	N/A	0	N/A	No	No
13	Oglala Lakota College	86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 77%		1%	N/A	3	N/A	No	No

Find & Compare Colleges in South Dakota

Want to dive a bit deeper than the rankings list? This search tool lets students to do just that by allowing them sort schools by various factors like student population, location and acceptance rates. The results can then be compared side by side to provide an even more comprehensive look at the potential colleges in South Dakota.

Evaluating the Cost of College in South Dakota

Understanding tuition and financial aid is one of the most important steps a student can take toward understanding the cost of college. These charts feature average tuition rates in the state, the average financial aid award and how many students actually receive those awards. By combining all of this information, prospective students can gain a better understanding of what they can expect to pay to attend college in South Dakota.

Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota

Solely looking at tuition will not accurately display the costs of attending a college. Instead, students should look at the net price, which is the cost of attendance minus any financial aid awarded. The following six South Dakota schools are the most affordable in terms of the lowest net price.

• 1
  
  Oglala Lakota College$3,662
• 2
  
  Black Hills State University$13,407
• 3
  
  Northern State University$14,387

• 4
  
  Dakota State University$14,431
• 5
  
  Sinte Gleska University$15,089
• 6
  
  University of South Dakota$15,442

Average
Annual Net
Price

Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.

South Dakota College Net Price vs. National Average

$16,511

Average Annual Net Price

$18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

South Dakota Colleges with Top Alumni Earnings

How much will students make upon graduation? Though that answer depends on numerous factors, including the field of work the student chooses, there are some colleges that tend to produce alumni with higher salaries. These six colleges in South Dakota have the highest paid alumni ten years after their graduation.

• 1
  
  South Dakota School of Mines and Technology$52,300
• 2
  
  Augustana College$42,600
• 3
  
  South Dakota State University$40,600

• 4
  
  University of South Dakota$39,500
• 5
  
  Dakota State University$37,400
• 6
  
  Presentation College$37,100

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.

South Dakota Alumni Salaries vs. National Average

$35,523

Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College

$42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best South Dakota Colleges for Low Student Loan Debt

High student loan payments can quickly negate the thrill of a great paycheck. These colleges in South Dakota produce alumni with the lowest amounts of student debt in the state. In addition, we have compared them to the national average, so students considering a student loan can see exactly where they stand.

• 1
  
  University of South Dakota$24,000
• 2
  
  Dakota State University$24,933
• 3
  
  Presentation College$25,000

• 4
  
  South Dakota State University$25,000
• 5
  
  University of Sioux Falls$25,000
• 6
  
  Northern State University$25,654

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.

South Dakota College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

$25,830

Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Cost of Living in South Dakota: Housing, Healthcare and Other Expenses

When considering the cost of school, students often overlook the cost of living, which can affect a student's budget greatly. South Dakota boasts a cost of living that is lower than the national average, and the costs of housing and transportation are particularly attractive when compared to that of other states. We have examined the cost of living in metropolitan areas of South Dakota, as well as the entire state, to help students gauge expenses for attending a college in South Dakota.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Accreditation for South Dakota Colleges

Prospective students should consider a school's accreditation status. Accreditation is vitally important, as it means an independent accrediting body has evaluated the school and found it to fulfill the requirements of a quality education. A degree earned from an accredited school typically holds a great deal of weight and allows students more opportunities for financial aid and for easier credit transfers.

Schools in South Dakota are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is responsible for the accreditation of colleges in 19 states in the North Central region. In addition to this accreditation, schools can also opt for accreditation for specific programs. Here are a few examples:

• The National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation accredits all music programs, both degree granting and non-degree granting, at Augustana University.
• The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits bachelor's and graduate programs in teacher education at Black Hills State University.

Popular Cities to Attend College in South Dakota

Brookings

With a population of over 22,000, Brookings is the fourth most populous city in South Dakota, and the second largest manufacturing community in the state. From its historic buildings to its shops to its tasty restaurants, Brookings has a little something for everyone.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
South Dakota State University	Public	$15,538	$40,600
Nine colleges make up this large university in the heart of Brookings. As the state's largest and most comprehensive higher education institution, SDSU serves over 12,500 students. Those students can choose from 73 majors, 36 specializations, 33 master's programs and 15 PhD programs, as well as two professional doctorates. Online and off-campus courses provide students with a more flexible way to obtain their education.

Sioux Falls

Known as the "Heart of America," Sioux Falls is nestled on the banks of the Big Sioux River on the borders of Minnesota and Iowa. The city itself has a population of over 173,000, and the greater metropolitan area is home to over 250,000 people. Major employers include those in healthcare, grocery, banking and food products.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Augustana University	Private not-for-profit	$18,621	$42,600
Founded by the Lutheran Church in 1860, Augustana welcomes students of all faiths and religions. Today, the college serves over 1,800 students in 53 majors, 41 minors and 15 pre-professional programs for undergraduates, as well as graduate and continuing education programs. Most students live on the 100-acre campus.
Southeast Technical Institute	Public	$12,271	$36,000
Students seeking an associate degree, diploma or certificate can take advantage of one of the more than 50 programs at Southeast Technical Institute. Programs are focused with the intention of all students graduating within 24 months of enrollment. In fact, Southeast Tech turns out the third largest graduating class in the state, not to mention it is one of the most affordable post-secondary institutions in the state.
University of Sioux Falls	Private not-for-profit	$19,372	$36,900
This Christian, liberal arts school affiliated with the Southern Baptist church has a 98 percent placement rate for graduates. A 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters intimate classroom settings for students in over 80 programs. Of the almost 1,500 students, 100 percent of them received financial aid as an incoming freshman. With well over 100 clubs and within an easy day's drive to several Midwestern cities, USF offers plenty of opportunities for fun.

Source: College Scorecard

South Dakota College Resources

Students interested in South Dakota colleges can find a wealth of resources at the following links: