Best Colleges in South Dakota for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

South Dakota College Guide – What You Need to Know

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South Dakota may be a relatively sparsely populated state, but it is full of great educational opportunities. The state has terrific, traditional colleges and universities, and the online opportunities expand your degree possibilities beyond your wildest imagination. Which are the best colleges and universities in South Dakota? That’s up to you but hopefully we can help you decide.

Education has more to do with how students engage with their professors and the material than any objective measure can show. That is why there is virtually no difference in student outcomes between online and traditional courses. If you buckle down, study the material, and engage with your instructors, your education and career will reflect the effort. In fact, smaller schools and even online universities might have an edge over some of their larger, traditional counterparts.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in South Dakota?

South Dakota's colleges and universities have spent decades, if not centuries, preparing students for the career world. Over that span of time, they have developed faculties who are dedicated to providing the very best education. While trends come and go, South Dakota bachelor's degrees have remained strong. These days the most popular bachelor's degrees in South Dakota probably resemble those from decades ago, but contemporary professors are primed to support students through rigorous programs that create leaders. Look over the list of most popular bachelor's degrees. One might appeal to you, but perhaps not; these are only the most common degrees in SD, you can feel free to create your own path. Nonetheless, keep reading to discover more about your degree and career options in South Dakota.

The top degrees in South Dakota include:

How Much More Can You Make by Having a Degree in South Dakota

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in South Dakota

As South Dakota continues to grow and develop, the state is slated for expansion across a range of occupations. In fact, the state has experienced a dramatic uptick in non-farm employment. In 2018, the state showed growth across a range of employment sectors, with professional and business services standing out with 9.6% growth. The next closest growth was in Mining, Logging, and Construction, which expanded by 4.7%. Unemployment was also low, even lower than the national averages. Non-farm personal income also rose by 6.4%

South Dakota has a lot to offer its future college graduates.

Top Accounting Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Actuary n/a $86,900
Forensic Accountant 4,410 (accountants and auditors) $65,400
Financial Analyst 450 $73,870
Financial Manager 680 $139,620
Management Analyst 2,730 $77,930

  • Actuary:
    Your accounting degree will enable you to work in risk management as an actuary. Essentially, your job will be to minimize the overall risk and loss of a firm, most often an insurance company. You will need top skills in statistics, mathematics, and finance to excel in the field.

  • Forensic Accountant:
    This occupation is more exotic sounding than what most accountants do. You'll work with law enforcement to prosecute white collar crimes, divorce attorneys to best represent their clients, and otherwise investigate financial wrongdoing. Since there is more awareness of money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes these days, this field is set to explode.

  • Financial Analyst:
    This occupation is often a springboard into the world of Investment Banking and Corporate Finance. If that's the path you choose, you'll probably spend two years as an analyst before heading back to receive an MBA, then head to Wall Street.

  • Financial Manager:
    Accounting majors are great financial managers. Financial managers look for ways to maximize a firm's assets through clever investing. For instance, you might purchase debt for your firm to avoid a certain amount of taxation. You could also spend your days trading equities and ensuring long-term wealth for the company.

  • Management Analyst:
    This occupation is often employed on a contract, consultation basis. You will be hired to audit a firm's management practices and then make recommendations based on your findings. Your goal will be to discover how a firm can achieve its goals without spending too much money.

Best South Dakota Schools for Accounting

  • South Dakota State University
  • University of South Dakota
  • Augustana University

Top Careers in Business Administration and Management

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Logistics Manager 110 $74,950
General Manager 340 $61,900
Salesman/woman 200 $43,100
Sales Manager 330 $131,620
Systems Analyst 750 $75,680
  • Logistics Manager:
    As supply chains become more international and thus more complex, logisticians are needed to ensure that packages are delivered with the utmost efficiency. A strong background in accounting will help you excel in this profession, and you might find relevant courses listed as Supply Chain Management.
  • Manager:
    Every business needs a manager to oversee employees, monitor inventories, and other concerns. You can rise through the ranks to land a management position or you might find a company that has a management training program. When you work towards your degree, make sure you focus on courses like communication, accounting, and leadership.
  • Salesman/woman:
    You could sell food to restaurants, financial products such as insurance, or work in a showroom of some sort. With a business degree, you might want to look into selling business-related products or services. Your knowledge of business will impress your clients and your commission checks will reflect your hard work.
  • Sales Manager:
    After a few years in the field, you might prefer to move into a managerial position. You'll need to monitor sales figures and inventories, and keep abreast of new product lines, but you should also be a great leader. Sales managers often mentor newly hired sales personnel and help to smooth over the minor conflicts that arise from time to time.
  • Systems Analyst:
    This position sits somewhere between the IT department and the rest of the organization. Your job is to analyze your firm's technological systems and determine how to optimize them for maximum efficiency. Many systems analysts work as consultants and do a lot of traveling, but also reap great financial rewards.

Best South Dakota Schools for Business Administration and Management

  • South Dakota State University
  • University of South Dakota
  • Augustana University

Top Humanities Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Technical Writer 120 $50,320
Information Technology Specialist 180 $55,200
Paralegal 510 $49,130
Librarian 570 $41,480
  • Technical Writer:
    Most humanities majors graduate with fantastic writing abilities. Thus, if you acquire additional knowledge and experience in specific areas you might be hired to write about them. Technical writers often learn about their subject areas while on the job. With the keen research skills of a humanities major, you can get to the bottom of any topic, no matter how technical.
  • Information Technology:
    Though humanities might not specifically address IT issues, if you have an aptitude for fixing computers or writing code, you can find an IT department that is willing to train you. You might also take your keen analytical skills and either teach yourself coding or work towards a high-tech, professional certification. For instance, there are many low-cost, yet top-quality, certification programs available for online students.
  • Paralegal:
    As a humanities major, you will do lots of research and writing. These skills are the essentials of a paralegal's work. You might need to complete a certificate program, but you can also learn on the job. A related position in the Docket Department of a litigation firm might be a great way to get your foot in the door.
  • Librarian:
    Many humanities majors take work-study jobs in their college libraries and then go on to work as full-fledged librarians later on. You could complete a master's or doctoral degree in the field and find work on a college campus, public library, or even for a law firm or other corporation.

Best South Dakota Schools for Humanities

  • South Dakota State University
  • University of South Dakota
  • Augustana University
  • University of Sioux Falls

Top Marketing Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Market Research Analyst 1,100 $55,650
Marketing Manager 70 $162,890
Public Relations Specialist 580 $54,100
  • Market Research Analyst:
    This occupation is concerned with collecting and analyzing data on various market demographics. Your objective will be to determine what motivates certain segments of the population to purchase your firm's products. A strong background in statistics will be very helpful, as will any other experience with quantitative analysis.
  • Marketing Manager:
    These managers are in charge of the marketing team and sometimes even the graphic designers and other creatives. They are responsible for making sure a marketing project comes together on time while staying under budget.
  • Public Relations Specialist:
    These professionals are concerned with maintaining reputation and image. If you are in this field, you might work to protect and enhance the reputation of a person, product, or corporation. PR specialists frequently work with celebrities and other public figures.

Best South Dakota Schools for Marketing/Marketing Management

  • South Dakota State University
  • University of South Dakota
  • Augustana University

Top Registered Nursing Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Registered Nurse 12,950 $59,540
Occupational Therapist 400 $72,370
Physical Therapist 920 $77,130
Nurse Practitioner 550 $102,230
Dental Hygienist 680 $62,560
  • Registered Nurse:
    This is a diverse credential that spans a wide range of specialty areas. You could choose to specialize in mental health, maternity, surgical procedures, or the emergency room. RNs are the core of any healthcare system. They are expert clinicians and administrators, too.
  • Occupational Therapist:
    This career path has so much to offer. OTs work to help people attain optimal functioning in their lives. On any day your patients could be recovering from stroke, accidents, disease, or attempting to recover lost movement from old age. As an OT you can forge a career path as unique as you.
  • Physical Therapist:
    You will need a doctoral degree to work as a PT, but it's worth it. You can help people learn to walk with prosthetic legs, recover from tendinitis, or maximize their athletic potential. Along the way to becoming a PT, you can likely find work as a PT Assistant.
  • Nurse Practitioner:
    If you love healthcare but don't wish to be a doctor, this is perhaps the path for you. NPs are able to prescribe medications, diagnose illness, and order diagnostic tests. In fact, some NPs operate their own clinics under the license of an MD. You'll need to first become an RN and then complete additional graduate coursework before you can become a full NP.
  • Dental Hygienist:
    In this position you will be a key part of any Dental team. Dental Hygienists are primarily known for their teeth cleaning duties, but they do much more than that. If you pursue a degree in this field, you might consider additional credentials that enable you to administer anesthetics.

Best South Dakota Schools for Registered Nursing

  • Augustana University
  • University of Sioux Falls
  • South Dakota State University
  • University of South Dakota

Additional South Dakota Careers to Learn More:

Want to See All the South Dakota Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in South Dakota

The top ten South Dakota occupations expected to grow the most in the ten years between 2014 and 2024.

Occupation Projected Growth
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic 36%
Industrial Machinery Mechanics 28%
Nurse Practitioners 24%
Web Developers 24%
Machinists 23%
Physical Therapist Assistants 22%
Brick masons and Block masons 20%
Restaurant Cooks 20%
Market Research Analysts 20%
Farm Equipment Mechanics 19%

Best Associate Degrees in South Dakota

Best Associate Degrees in South Dakota
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South Dakota's students can launch their academic and professional careers at some of the best colleges in the state. South Dakota's community college system provides loads of options for students seeking technical, pre-professional, or even liberal arts degrees. Since associate degrees cost less at community colleges, students can save money on their core curriculum, earn a degree, and venture off to a four-year university when they're ready.

Lake Area Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
2,217		 Graduation Rate
68%		 Net Price
$12,075 		Grads Salary
$36,900
Western Dakota Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,214		 Graduation Rate
41%		 Net Price
$15,936 		Grads Salary
$33,800

Best Bachelor's Degrees in South Dakota

Best Bachelor's Degrees in South Dakota
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South Dakota may be a sparsely populated state, but they still have excellent bachelor's programs. Here is a list of the best colleges in the state that support students with an academic foundation that rivals institutions nationwide. With these top-notch academic institutions providing great bachelor's degrees, South Dakota maintains high levels of education within the state.

South Dakota State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,405		 Graduation Rate
59%		 Net Price
$17,894 		Grads Salary
$69,700
University of South Dakota
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,920		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$18,480 		Grads Salary
$63,900
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,475		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$19,799 		Grads Salary
$74,600
Dakota State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,186		 Graduation Rate
49%		 Net Price
$17,861 		Grads Salary
$66,200
Mount Marty University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,167		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$18,924 		Grads Salary
$62,000
Augustana University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,019		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$24,322 		Grads Salary
$68,000
Northern State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,431		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$16,404 		Grads Salary
$56,000
National American University-Rapid City
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,440		 Graduation Rate
19%		 Net Price
$17,961 		Grads Salary
$76,000
Presentation College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
584		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$22,159 		Grads Salary
$71,000
Black Hills State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,858		 Graduation Rate
39%		 Net Price
$16,706 		Grads Salary
$56,600
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Best Master's Degrees in South Dakota

Best Master's Degrees in South Dakota
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Once South Dakota's students complete their associate and bachelor's degrees, they can move on to a graduate program. Master’s degrees often translate into higher professional status, larger salaries, and the opportunity to achieve top certifications in many fields. Here are some of the best master's degrees in South Dakota. For those who are especially motivated or prepared to move toward their ultimate culminating degree, the list also includes the best doctoral degree programs available.

South Dakota State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,405		 Graduation Rate
59%		 Net Price
$17,894 		Grads Salary
$69,700
University of South Dakota
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,920		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$18,480 		Grads Salary
$63,900
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,475		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$19,799 		Grads Salary
$74,600
Dakota State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,186		 Graduation Rate
49%		 Net Price
$17,861 		Grads Salary
$66,200
Mount Marty University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,167		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$18,924 		Grads Salary
$62,000
Augustana University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,019		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$24,322 		Grads Salary
$68,000
Northern State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,431		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$16,404 		Grads Salary
$56,000
National American University-Rapid City
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,440		 Graduation Rate
19%		 Net Price
$17,961 		Grads Salary
$76,000
Presentation College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
584		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$22,159 		Grads Salary
$71,000
Black Hills State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,858		 Graduation Rate
39%		 Net Price
$16,706 		Grads Salary
$56,600
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Learn about MBA's in South Dakota

Cost of South Dakota College Education & Salaries

College degrees are not cheap. For that reason, every student should think through their reasons before they start researching a degree program. First, you should decide what field you wish to study. What appeals to you the most? If you were a strong math and science student in high school, you might look into a degree in the sciences, math, or accounting. If you loved your humanities courses, such as literature, history, and social studies, you could pursue a degree that plays to those strengths.

Once you know what you want, determine how to get the degree for the lowest cost without sacrificing value. One way to ensure lower educational costs is to attend a public college or university. As a South Dakotan, you have the option of attending a school in your state, but you can also pay in-state tuition at any public college or university in a state that is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange. Those states include Colorado, California, Washington, and Oregon, among others.

Keep in mind that public universities can also be quite expensive. You might consider taking your core curriculum through a community college. Community college credits should transfer to your eventual four-year institution and their classes are typically smaller. You may even find that your excitement for academics increases in a community college, which means your GPA is likely to rise, too.

Finally, another way to reduce the cost of your South Dakota degree is to apply for scholarships and grants. There are so many out there that if you make a practice of applying for several every term you are sure to win at least a few. You can also list all of your scholarships as achievements on your resume. Future employers will be impressed.

Cost Analysis and Maximizing Your Earning Potential South Dakota vs National

Average South Dakota Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public School

In-State Tuition - $8,772

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $12,465

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

South Dakotans are highly likely to receive financial aid for higher education. This means that you will have little trouble finding funding for your education. Interestingly, they also receive less per student. However, universities in South Dakota tend to be a bit more affordable than those in other states, so the effect of this shouldn’t be too strong.

Financial Aid South Dakota Nationally
Received Federal Grants 72% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,414 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for South Dakota

Scholarships and Grants are a great way to help pay for your college education. Since they will never need to be repaid, they never accrue interest. You might find that there are many scholarships that pay a small amount, such as $500. That might pay for one term's worth of supplies, but the real value comes later. Be sure to add every scholarship award to your resume. Future employers will take note, especially if you win a scholarship in an industry or occupation specific area.

EMFS_logo

EMFS

Erickson Merkel Foundation Scholarships

http://www.ericksonmerkel.org/2019-scholarship/
Amount: $500-$1,500
Deadline: March 31
This scholarship fund awards students between $500 and $1,500. To qualify, you should be a resident of South Dakota, among other Midwestern states. Your application should include an essay that discusses your efforts to reduce your college loan debt and how you intend to benefit your community.

MDSDDS_logo

MDSDDS

Midwest Dairy – South Dakota Division Scholarships

https://www.midwestdairy.com/for-farmers/scholarships/
Amount: $3,500 (2 Awards – Juniors & Seniors); $1,000 (3 Awards – Freshmen)
Deadline: March 15
If you intend on majoring in Dairy Science at South Dakota State University in Brookings, this is a great scholarship to pursue. Midwest Dairy awards a total of five scholarships to Dairy students – two $3,500 scholarships for upper class students (Juniors and Seniors) and then three $1,000 scholarships for incoming first year students. When you apply be sure to demonstrate financial need, upstanding character, leadership qualities, and academic achievement.

CTNS_logo

CTNS

Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship

https://www.sdbor.edu/student-information/scholarships/CTNS/Pages/default.aspx
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
The South Dakota Board of Regents administers this scholarship for budding educators. If you love children and want to help create tomorrow's leaders, this scholarship is for you. You will need to verify in writing that you will work as a South Dakota teacher for a minimum of five years. Qualifying students must be entering their Junior year and must also show a minimum of a 2.8 GPA. You must reapply to qualify for funds to cover your senior year. Before you apply, be certain to check with the Board of Regents to ascertain what teaching areas are currently considered critical. As a rule of thumb, school districts frequently need science and math teachers, but they may need other areas, too.

DCSP_logo

DCSP

Dakota Corps Scholarship Program

https://www.sdbor.edu/dakotacorps/Pages/How-Do-I-Apply.aspx
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 1
This is a scholarship awarded by the state of South Dakota as an effort to retain the state's top talent. To apply, you must have a minimum GPA of 2.8, composite ACT scores of 27 (or the SAT equivalent), and agree to remain in the state and work in a critical need occupation. Qualifying occupations include:

  • High School Math Teacher
  • High School Science Teacher
  • Accountants and Auditors
  • Engineer (except mining)
  • Information Technology
  • Registered Nurse
JSS_logo

JSS

Jump Start Scholarship

https://www.sdbor.edu/student-information/scholarships/Jump-Start-Scholarship/Pages/default.aspx
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: Varies
If you are in a hurry to get out of high school and graduate in three or fewer years you can apply to this scholarship fund. The South Dakota legislature instituted this scholarship to replay students for saving the state money in the public-school system. The award is $1,500 and will be distributed evenly between your first two terms of a college located in South Dakota.

SDOS_logo

SDOS

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

https://sdos.sdbor.edu/Pages/default.aspx
Amount: $1,300 (1st, 2nd, & 3rd year of attendance); $2,600 (4th year of attendance)
Deadline: Varies
This scholarship awards $6,500 over the course of four years to a top South Dakota student. Each year, students receive their award disbursed in two equal payments. You must complete your education in eight consecutive fall and spring semesters. You should attend a South Dakota institution such as: Black Hills State University, University of South Dakota, or South Dakota State University, among others.

NBSP

Need Based Scholarship Program

https://www.sdbor.edu/student-information/scholarships/need-based-scholarship/Pages/default.aspx
Amount: $500-$2,000
Deadline: N/A
This scholarship fund is for students who can demonstrate significant financial need. The program is administered by the South Dakota Needs Based Grant Program (SDNBGP) which has been endowed with a one-time payment of $1.5 million. There is no need to apply for this scholarship, as students will be selected based on the standard FAFSA form. University administrators will determine which students receive aid and amounts range between $500 and $2,000. You must attend a South Dakota institution such as: Mount Marty College, Dakota Wesleyan University, or Augustana University, among others.

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