Best Colleges in South Dakota (2026)
26 colleges ranked by graduate earnings, acceptance rates, and outcomes — powered by federal data from the U.S. Department of Education.
26
Colleges
$43,842
Avg Earnings (10yr)
$16,524
Avg Net Price
82%
Avg Admit Rate
49%
Avg Grad Rate
State Overview
South Dakota is home to 26 colleges and universities, ranging from research universities to community colleges. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology leads the state in graduate earnings, with state alumni earning $43,842 on average ten years after enrollment. Whether you're looking for a flagship research university, a liberal arts college, or a career-focused program, South Dakota offers diverse options across all price points.
Quick Facts — South Dakota Colleges
Top 10 Colleges in South Dakota by Graduate Earnings
Ranked by median earnings 10 years after enrollment. Public and private nonprofit only.
Admit
85%
Net Price
$20,380
Grad Rate
57%
Earnings
$72,257
Admit
59%
Net Price
$24,723
Grad Rate
76%
Earnings
$59,217
Admit
82%
Net Price
$20,874
Grad Rate
60%
Earnings
$54,521
Admit
73%
Net Price
$19,300
Grad Rate
50%
Earnings
$53,728
Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota
Lowest average net price after grants and scholarships. Public and private nonprofit only.
Rapid City, SD
53% grad rate
Popular Majors
Compare the best colleges for top fields of study — ranked by graduate earnings nationwide.
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Find my South Dakota collegeAll Colleges in South Dakota
All 26 accredited institutions. Click column headers to sort.
| School | City | Type | Admit Rate | Net Price | Grad Rate | Earnings (10yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augustana University | Sioux Falls | Private Nonprofit | 59% | $24,723 | 76% | $59,217 |
| Avera McKennan Hospital School of Radiologic Technology | Sioux Falls | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Avera Sacred Heart Hospital | Yankton | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Black Hills State University | Spearfish | Public | 94% | $17,001 | 42% | $46,674 |
| California Intercontinental University | Sioux Falls | Private For-Profit | N/A | N/A | 10% | N/A |
| Dakota State University | Madison | Public | 98% | $19,725 | 49% | $50,970 |
| Dakota Wesleyan University | Mitchell | Private Nonprofit | 73% | $19,300 | 50% | $53,728 |
| Kairos University | Sioux Falls | Private Nonprofit | 74% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lake Area Technical College | Watertown | Public | N/A | $14,826 | 67% | $45,473 |
| Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell | Public | N/A | $13,650 | 71% | $50,743 |
| Mount Marty University | Yankton | Private Nonprofit | 48% | $23,295 | 59% | $48,179 |
| National American University-Rapid City | Rapid City | Private For-Profit | N/A | $22,086 | 23% | $37,325 |
| Northern State University | Aberdeen | Public | 93% | $17,094 | 52% | $47,618 |
| Oglala Lakota College | Kyle | Public | N/A | $2,065 | 10% | $22,517 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Rapid City | Rapid City | Private For-Profit | N/A | $21,014 | 71% | $29,547 |
| Sanford Medical Center | Sioux Falls | Private Nonprofit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sinte Gleska University | Mission | Public | N/A | $7,075 | 5% | $20,948 |
| Sisseton Wahpeton College | Sisseton | Public | N/A | $3,050 | 10% | $31,546 |
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Rapid City | Public | 85% | $20,380 | 57% | $72,257 |
| South Dakota State University | Brookings | Public | 99% | $18,219 | 59% | $55,070 |
| Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls | Public | N/A | $17,165 | 55% | $46,709 |
| Stewart School | Sioux Falls | Private For-Profit | N/A | $16,329 | 81% | $31,843 |
| The Salon Professional Academy | Rapid City | Private For-Profit | N/A | $15,357 | 70% | $23,641 |
| University of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls | Private Nonprofit | 82% | $20,874 | 60% | $54,521 |
| University of South Dakota | Vermillion | Public | 99% | $19,155 | 59% | $51,926 |
| Western Dakota Technical College | Rapid City | Public | N/A | $14,631 | 53% | $40,240 |
Showing 26 of 26 schools