Online Higher Education in South Dakota
There are many advantages to enrolling with online colleges and universities. Not only does scheduling tend to be much more flexible, but students can complete coursework from nearly anywhere in the world with internet access. Graduates also benefit greatly from obtaining degrees, which can significantly increase the number of employment opportunities available. Those with degrees also tend to be more competitive, especially when competing for jobs against those without higher education. Additionally, graduates often enjoy higher earning potentials, especially after obtaining master’s and doctoral degrees.
It's important to realize that opportunities vary based on degree type and professional field of interest. As of March 2022, South Dakota’s civilian labor force was 472,658. Of those, 461,048 were employed, leaving 11,610 without jobs. This makes the state’s unemployment 2.5%, which is down significantly from a high of 8.8% in April 2020. This is the lowest unemployment rate recorded in South Dakota since 2012.
As of May 2021, South Dakota had a mean hourly wage of $18.13 and an annual mean wage of $46,810. While this is significantly below the national average of $56,310 for all occupations, earning in-person and online degrees are likely to lead to some of the most lucrative professions. A few of the highest paying jobs in the state include chief executive, marketing manager, sales manager, architectural and engineering manager, natural science manager, professional financial advisor, dentist, nurse anesthetist, physician, and psychiatrist.
As of the 2021-2022 academic year, the total student population in South Dakota was 51,174. This includes 44,123 undergraduate and 7,051 graduate school students. Overall, online education is not as popular as it is in some other states. A total of 15,122 students are enrolled in online classes exclusively, while an additional 17,082 students are enrolled in some online classes. While this means that just under 63% of undergraduate and graduate students will take at least one online course during the 2021-2022 academic year, a significant portion of students prefer traditional learning settings.
Education cost in South Dakota is comparable to other states, with the exception of non-residents. The average amount residents can expect to spend on tuition and fees in 2022 is $9,720. The average cost is for those living outside the state is only slightly higher at $9,707. This is rare, as most colleges and universities charge non-residents significantly more than in-state students.
Additional expenses to keep in mind include room, board, books, and supplies. The average living costs for those who choose to live on campus in 2022 is $12,115, while those living off campus will pay an average of $13,198. The average cost of books and supplies in 2022 is $1,251. Notably, most other states have seen a sharp increase in these expenses, while South Dakota has remained quite consistent. In fact, the average cost of books and supplies is lower in 2022 than it was in 2018.
It's worth mentioning that those who enroll in online degree programs tend to pay less than traditional students who attend courses in person. Many colleges and universities have lower tuition and fees for remote learners as the cost of instruction may be less. Some of the most significant savings are seen in room, board, campus parking, and school activity fees. While distance learners will still need to pay for housing and food, there are circumstances that can make these expenses less excessive. Prospective students interested in online learning should also take advantage of the various financial aid options available. Most institutions encourage applicants to submit FAFSAs in order to qualify for academic grants, scholarships, and loans, which are available to online students just as they are to on-campus students.
