Best Colleges in South Dakota

Most Popular Degrees and Careers 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.

Mitchell Technical Institute

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,162 Graduation Rate 73% Net Price $11,382

Lake Area Technical College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 2,228 Graduation Rate 72% Net Price $11,400

Southeast Technical Institute

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,380 Graduation Rate 59% Net Price $12,046

Western Dakota Technical Institute

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,214 Graduation Rate 51% Net Price $13,443

Sinte Gleska University

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 549 Graduation Rate 7% Net Price $14,107

Sisseton Wahpeton College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 119 Graduation Rate 7% Net Price $3,413

Oglala Lakota College

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,306 Graduation Rate 4% Net Price $5

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.

Augustana University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,113 Graduation Rate 71% Net Price $24,481

University of Sioux Falls

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,675 Graduation Rate 64% Net Price $19,744

University of South Dakota

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 9,920 Graduation Rate 59% Net Price $17,689

Mount Marty College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,049 Graduation Rate 56% Net Price $19,704

South Dakota State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 11,512 Graduation Rate 56% Net Price $18,195

Dakota Wesleyan University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 880 Graduation Rate 54% Net Price $21,891

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,525 Graduation Rate 49% Net Price $19,444

Northern State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,427 Graduation Rate 48% Net Price $15,575

Dakota State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,268 Graduation Rate 43% Net Price $17,063

Black Hills State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,858 Graduation Rate 38% Net Price $15,861

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Presentation College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 584 Graduation Rate 34% Net Price $21,798

National American University-Rapid City

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 1,855 Graduation Rate 19% Net Price $16,918

Sinte Gleska University

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 549 Graduation Rate 7% Net Price $14,107

Oglala Lakota College

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,306 Graduation Rate 4% Net Price $5

National American University-Ellsworth AFB Extension

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 199 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

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.

Augustana University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 295 Graduation Rate 71% Net Price $24,481

University of Sioux Falls

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 285 Graduation Rate 64% Net Price $19,744

University of South Dakota

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,445 Graduation Rate 59% Net Price $17,689

Mount Marty College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 182 Graduation Rate 56% Net Price $19,704

South Dakota State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,445 Graduation Rate 56% Net Price $18,195

Dakota Wesleyan University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 133 Graduation Rate 54% Net Price $21,891

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 323 Graduation Rate 49% Net Price $19,444

Northern State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 419 Graduation Rate 48% Net Price $15,575

Dakota State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 450 Graduation Rate 43% Net Price $17,063

Black Hills State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 174 Graduation Rate 38% Net Price $15,861

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Presentation College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 26 Graduation Rate 34% Net Price $21,798

National American University-Rapid City

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 409 Graduation Rate 19% Net Price $16,918

Sinte Gleska University

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 65 Graduation Rate 7% Net Price $14,107

Oglala Lakota College

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 26 Graduation Rate 4% Net Price $5

Institute of Lutheran Theology

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 0 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

National American University-Harold D. Buckingham Graduate School

College Type 4-year, Private for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 0 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Sioux Falls Seminary

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Campus Housing No Student Population 419 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Best Online Degree Colleges in South Dakota (Distance Learning Only)

Since there are so many remote towns in South Dakota, online college degrees are becoming more and more prevalent. The best online colleges are a mere click away, whether they physically located in South Dakota or New York City. Online programs can include accounting, business administration, or a full range of health care opportunities. Distance learning in South Dakota is enriching minds and communities like never before..

Institute of Lutheran Theology

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-Profit Student Population NA Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Colorado Technical University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 27,232 Graduation Rate 26% Net Price $16,260

Purdue

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 38,138 Graduation Rate 27% Net Price NA

Southern New Hampshire University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 113,514 Graduation Rate 44% Net Price $39,743

Western Governors University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 136,139 Graduation Rate 21% Net Price $7,785

Capella University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 37,859 Graduation Rate NA Net Price $17,368

Walden University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 48,420 Graduation Rate 33% Net Price NA

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Jump Start Scholarship

https://www.sdbor.edu/student-information/Pages/Jump-Start-Scholarship.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

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.

sources:

• https://www.bls.gov/
• https://collegescorecard.ed.gov
• https://www.valuepenguin.com
• https://dlr.sd.gov/lmic/lb/2016/lbart_october2016_occupational_projections_2014_2024.pdf