South Dakota Colleges: Tuition, Debt & Earnings (2026 stats)

Last updated: June 4, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

TL;DR

Colleges in South Dakota: median public in-state tuition $8,294 (+50.5% vs national median) median 10-year earnings $51,926 (-4.4% vs U.S.) employment-outcome proxy 94.5% working & not enrolled at 8 years median graduate debt $23,250 (+73.1% vs U.S.) 35,477 students enrolled statewide.

Key Facts

  • Total college enrollment: 35,477 students
  • Median public in-state tuition: $8,294 (+50.5% vs U.S.)
  • Median earnings 10 years after entry: $51,926 (-4.4% vs U.S.)
  • Working & not enrolled (8-yr cohort proxy): 94.5% (+6.5 pp vs U.S.)
  • Median net price: $15,911 (+59.6% vs U.S.)
  • Median student debt at graduation: $23,250 (+73.1% vs U.S. $13,432); regional median $17,500. Debt rank: #52 nationally of 48 (lower debt = better rank); #7 in Plains of 7
  • Average completion rate (institutions in state): 42.8%
  • Median first-year retention (full-time, 4-yr): 75.5%
  • Earnings rank: #31 nationally (higher median 10-yr earnings = better rank)
  • Employment-outcome rank: #1 nationally (higher working share = better rank)
  • Tuition rank: #45 of 48 states (lower sticker = better rank)
  • Student debt rank: #52 nationally of 48; #7 in Plains of 7 (lower debt = better rank)

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Overview

Higher education in South Dakota includes public research universities, private colleges, and community colleges serving transfer students and workforce training. About 35,477 students enrolled statewide in federal data, with median public in-state tuition near $8,294, and community college tuition averaging about $5,988. Major campuses include South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota. The tables below compare costs, completion, earnings, debt, and employment outcomes for 13 reporting campuses against U.S. and Plains medians.

South Dakota vs regional & national benchmarks

Medians aggregate institution-level College Scorecard fields unless noted. Enrollment is total undergraduate headcount summed across reporting campuses.

State versus regional and national education metrics
Geography In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion rate Enrollment
South Dakota (SD)$8,294$15,911$23,25042.8%35,477
Plains (region median)$6,225$12,471$17,50053.1%864,225
United States$5,512$9,967$13,43250.3%14,484,370

Earnings & employment outcomes: South Dakota vs benchmarks

Scorecard does not publish formal job-placement rates. We use the share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled (working ÷ working + not working) as a federal employment-outcome proxy. 2-yr and 3-yr default rates are federal cohort default shares (0–1 scale). We show 2-yr default as the primary benchmark; 3-yr default appears only when enough campuses report non-suppressed values (otherwise —). 3-yr repayment progress is the share of completers making progress on loans after 3 years. Sample: bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200. Medians pool campus-level values.

Earnings and employment outcome benchmarks
Geography Median earnings (10 yr) Working & not enrolled (8 yr) Retention (FT yr 1) 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment progress Debt ÷ earnings
South Dakota (SD)$51,92694.5%75.5%5.2%—82.8%0.46
Plains (region median)$53,46093.0%74.2%4.5%—78.5%0.42
United States$54,32387.9%76.3%5.0%—73.7%0.41

South Dakota vs peer states (Plains region)

Peer states are other campuses in the same Scorecard region, chosen by similar total enrollment.

Peer comparison table
State In-state tuition Net price Median debt Completion Enrollment Earnings (10 yr) Working (8 yr)
South Dakota (SD)$8,294$15,911$23,25042.8%35,477$51,92694.5%
North Dakota (ND)$6,051$11,358$18,44243.0%36,454$54,67393.6%
Nebraska (NE)$5,400$11,632$19,25052.2%89,648$54,12493.8%
Kansas (KS)$4,260$9,905$11,17146.6%130,768$53,17591.9%
Iowa (IA)$6,525$11,272$14,74563.1%134,174$55,28694.0%
United States$5,512$9,967$13,43250.3%14,484,370$54,32387.9%

Outcomes by sector in South Dakota

Median campus-level metrics within each ownership type (public, private nonprofit, private for-profit).

Sector Campuses Median earnings (10 yr) Working share (8 yr) Retention 2-yr default 3-yr default 3-yr repayment
Private nonprofit4$54,12495.5%74.8%4.3%—82.7%
Public6$51,44893.9%78.2%5.2%—84.3%

Educational attainment context (South Dakota)

U.S. Census ACS 2024 — adults age 25+.

  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 31.9% of adults 25+
  • Some college, no degree (ACS): 20.21%

Program completions produced in South Dakota (IPEDS 2024)

Award completions by CIP family — supply-side context for nursing, cosmetology, and other pathways. Not placement rates.

Program areaCompletionsInstitutions
Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38)84712
Cosmetology (CIP 12.04)2275
Computer Science (CIP 11.01)35110
Business (CIP 52.01)984

State workforce wages (BLS OEWS May 2024)

Context for graduate earnings — not a unemployment rate for recent grads (CEW state series not in repo).

  • All occupations median annual wage: $45,620
  • Education occupations (SOC 25-xxxx) median: $61,605

Program-level earnings in South Dakota (Scorecard)

  • Median 1-yr post-completion program earnings (across reporting campuses): $69,890
  • Median 4-yr post-completion: $77,180
  • Campuses with program earnings data: 11

Public 4-year in-state tuition trend: South Dakota

Median published in-state tuition, public 4-year institutions. Source: College Scorecard multi-year pull.

Top 10 colleges in South Dakota by graduation rate (150% time)

Ranked by 150% time completion rate (4-year bachelor's-predominant institutions, enrollment ≥ 500). Higher rate = more students finishing within 150% of normal time.

  1. Rank 1, Graduation Rate, 73.0%, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  2. Rank 2, Graduation Rate, 62.9%, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  3. Rank 3, Graduation Rate, 62.4%, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Graduation Rate, 59.9%, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Graduation Rate, 52.9%, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  6. Rank 6, Graduation Rate, 52.4%, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Graduation Rate, 51.3%, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Graduation Rate, 48.9%, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Graduation Rate, 48.3%, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Graduation Rate, 42.6%, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in South Dakota by employment outcome (8 yrs after entry, working & not enrolled)

Ranked by share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled — a federal outcome proxy, not a verified job-placement rate. Enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Employment Outcome, 96.6%, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, Employment Outcome, 95.6%, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  3. Rank 3, Employment Outcome, 95.6%, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Employment Outcome, 95.4%, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  5. Rank 5, Employment Outcome, 95.0%, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, Employment Outcome, 94.5%, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  7. Rank 7, Employment Outcome, 94.1%, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Employment Outcome, 93.8%, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Employment Outcome, 93.0%, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Employment Outcome, 90.6%, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

Top 10 most selective colleges in South Dakota (lowest admission rate)

Ranked by lowest admission rate (most selective first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500 and a reported admission rate.

  1. Rank 1, Admission Rate, 42.6%, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, Admission Rate, 67.8%, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  3. Rank 3, Admission Rate, 73.4%, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Admission Rate, 79.9%, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  5. Rank 5, Admission Rate, 82.9%, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  6. Rank 6, Admission Rate, 88.0%, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Admission Rate, 93.0%, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Admission Rate, 96.3%, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Admission Rate, 98.3%, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Admission Rate, 98.8%, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in South Dakota by entry-level earnings (1 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings one year after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; reflects completers in reported CIP programs, not all entrants.

  1. Rank 1, Entry-Level Earnings, $90,514, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  2. Rank 2, Entry-Level Earnings, $77,949, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, Entry-Level Earnings, $72,237, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  4. Rank 4, Entry-Level Earnings, $71,758, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Entry-Level Earnings, $70,622, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  6. Rank 6, Entry-Level Earnings, $69,890, National American University-Rapid City

    National American University-Rapid City

    Private for-profit · 764 enrolled · Rapid City

  7. Rank 7, Entry-Level Earnings, $67,981, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Entry-Level Earnings, $66,183, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Entry-Level Earnings, $63,636, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Entry-Level Earnings, $51,239, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in South Dakota by early-career earnings (4 yr post-completion, program)

Ranked by median program-level earnings four years after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; program cohort, not institution-wide median.

  1. Rank 1, Early-Career Earnings, $122,169, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, Early-Career Earnings, $95,639, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  3. Rank 3, Early-Career Earnings, $85,696, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Early-Career Earnings, $83,078, National American University-Rapid City

    National American University-Rapid City

    Private for-profit · 764 enrolled · Rapid City

  5. Rank 5, Early-Career Earnings, $79,077, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  6. Rank 6, Early-Career Earnings, $77,844, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  7. Rank 7, Early-Career Earnings, $76,515, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Early-Career Earnings, $74,816, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Early-Career Earnings, $70,545, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Early-Career Earnings, $69,079, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in South Dakota by mid-career earnings (6 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings six years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, Mid-Career Earnings, $62,863, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  2. Rank 2, Mid-Career Earnings, $49,826, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  3. Rank 3, Mid-Career Earnings, $49,564, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Mid-Career Earnings, $49,432, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, Mid-Career Earnings, $46,984, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, Mid-Career Earnings, $46,712, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  7. Rank 7, Mid-Career Earnings, $46,290, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Mid-Career Earnings, $46,146, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, Mid-Career Earnings, $41,536, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Mid-Career Earnings, $38,927, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in South Dakota by 8-year earnings (8 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings eight years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 8-Yr Earnings, $66,297, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  2. Rank 2, 8-Yr Earnings, $53,484, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  3. Rank 3, 8-Yr Earnings, $52,417, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, 8-Yr Earnings, $51,754, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, 8-Yr Earnings, $51,509, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, 8-Yr Earnings, $51,245, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  7. Rank 7, 8-Yr Earnings, $48,714, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, 8-Yr Earnings, $46,966, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, 8-Yr Earnings, $42,830, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, 8-Yr Earnings, $42,393, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in South Dakota by long-term earnings (10 yrs after entry)

Ranked by median earnings ten years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr Earnings, $72,257, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr Earnings, $59,217, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr Earnings, $55,070, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr Earnings, $54,521, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr Earnings, $53,728, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr Earnings, $51,926, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr Earnings, $50,970, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr Earnings, $48,179, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr Earnings, $47,618, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr Earnings, $46,674, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

Top 10 colleges in South Dakota by 10-year ROI

Ranked by 10-year return on investment (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200 and a computed ROI in the EDsmart dataset.

  1. Rank 1, 10-Yr ROI, $233,374, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  2. Rank 2, 10-Yr ROI, $170,690, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, 10-Yr ROI, $161,748, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, 10-Yr ROI, $154,567, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, 10-Yr ROI, $149,970, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  6. Rank 6, 10-Yr ROI, $146,918, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  7. Rank 7, 10-Yr ROI, $140,981, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, 10-Yr ROI, $133,921, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  9. Rank 9, 10-Yr ROI, $128,182, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, 10-Yr ROI, $123,698, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

Top 10 most affordable colleges in South Dakota (net price)

Ranked by lowest average net price (most affordable first). Uses overall net price, or mid-income bracket net price for public schools when available. Enrollment ≥ 300.

  1. Rank 1, Net Price, $15,812, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  2. Rank 2, Net Price, $15,911, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

  3. Rank 3, Net Price, $19,841, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, Net Price, $20,183, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  5. Rank 5, Net Price, $19,858, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, Net Price, $21,057, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, Net Price, $19,735, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, Net Price, $21,383, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  9. Rank 9, Net Price, $22,227, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, Net Price, $23,894, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

Top 10 colleges in South Dakota by first-year retention (full-time)

Ranked by first-year, full-time retention rate (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.

  1. Rank 1, First-Year Retention, 86.1%, Augustana University

    Augustana University

    Private nonprofit · 1,965 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  2. Rank 2, First-Year Retention, 84.1%, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Public · 2,071 enrolled · Rapid City

  3. Rank 3, First-Year Retention, 83.8%, South Dakota State University

    South Dakota State University

    Public · 9,198 enrolled

  4. Rank 4, First-Year Retention, 79.3%, University of South Dakota

    University of South Dakota

    Public · 5,439 enrolled

  5. Rank 5, First-Year Retention, 77.0%, Northern State University

    Northern State University

    Public · 1,273 enrolled

  6. Rank 6, First-Year Retention, 75.5%, Dakota State University

    Dakota State University

    Public · 2,071 enrolled

  7. Rank 7, First-Year Retention, 75.1%, Dakota Wesleyan University

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Private nonprofit · 670 enrolled

  8. Rank 8, First-Year Retention, 74.5%, University of Sioux Falls

    University of Sioux Falls

    Private nonprofit · 1,218 enrolled · Sioux Falls

  9. Rank 9, First-Year Retention, 71.7%, Black Hills State University

    Black Hills State University

    Public · 1,928 enrolled

  10. Rank 10, First-Year Retention, 67.6%, Mount Marty University

    Mount Marty University

    Private nonprofit · 697 enrolled

In-state tuition: South Dakota vs benchmarks

Sticker price

South Dakota median in-state tuition is $8,294, +50.5% vs the U.S. median.

Student debt: South Dakota vs benchmarks

Borrowing

Median debt at graduation in South Dakota is $23,250 (+73.1% vs U.S. median $13,432). Regional median: $17,500. Rank: #52 nationally of 48 (lower debt = better rank); #7 in Plains of 7.

Median earnings (10 years out): South Dakota vs benchmarks

Payoff

Median earnings 10 years after entry for bachelor's-predominant campuses in South Dakota center around $51,926 (-4.4% vs U.S.).

Median institution-level 10-year earnings. Source: College Scorecard.

Employment outcome proxy: South Dakota vs benchmarks

Working & not enrolled

The share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled—our Scorecard employment proxy—is 94.5% at the median South Dakota campus (+6.5 pp vs U.S.).

Percent of 8-year cohort working and not enrolled (not a formal placement rate).

Analysis & insights

EDsmart Data aggregates institution-level College Scorecard data for this profile. Highlights below compare local medians to U.S. and regional benchmarks.

Costs & borrowing

South Dakota median public in-state tuition is $8,294, about +50.5% vs the national median. Versus the Plains region, tuition is +33.2%.

Median graduate debt is $23,250 (+73.1% above the U.S. median of $13,432, and +32.9% vs the Plains regional median of $17,500). Low sticker prices do not always mean low borrowing—living costs, time-to-degree, and aid mix matter.

Student debt rank: #52 nationally of 48 (lower debt = better rank); #7 in Plains of 7 (1 = lowest median debt).

On published in-state tuition, South Dakota ranks #45 nationally (1 = lowest median sticker among states with data).

Earnings, employment & retention

Among bachelor's-predominant campuses with ≥200 students, median 10-year earnings in South Dakota are $51,926, about -4.4% vs the U.S. campus median ($54,323).

The median campus reports 94.5% of its 8-year cohort as working and not enrolled—our closest federal proxy to a placement rate. The U.S. campus median is 87.9% (+6.5 pp). Formal job-placement statistics are not published in Scorecard; treat this as a comparative outcome indicator, not a hire guarantee.

First-year, full-time retention at the median campus is 75.5% vs a U.S. median of 76.3%—a leading indicator for completion and time-to-degree.

Loan repayment indicators at the median campus: 2-yr default 5.2% (U.S. 5.0%); 3-yr repayment progress 82.8% (U.S. 73.7%). 3-yr default is omitted when most campuses report suppressed zeros.

Nationally, South Dakota ranks earnings #31 and employment proxy #1 on these outcome medians (1 = best).

Top employment-outcome campuses in this extract include Mount Marty University (96.6%), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (95.6%), Dakota Wesleyan University (95.6%), University of Sioux Falls (95.4%), South Dakota State University (95.0%), Augustana University (94.5%), University of South Dakota (94.1%), Northern State University (93.8%), Dakota State University (93.0%), Black Hills State University (90.6%)—useful anchors for local reporting on where graduates are most often working rather than still enrolled.

Completion & workforce context

Within South Dakota, sector medians diverge: Private nonprofit median 10-yr earnings $54,124 (4 campuses); Public median 10-yr earnings $51,448 (6 campuses). Public campuses often dominate enrollment while private nonprofits can show higher earnings medians at selective institutions.

Average institution-level completion rate across all sectors in South Dakota is 42.8% (national institution average about 50.3%).

National Student Clearinghouse data cite roughly 67,808 residents with some college but no credential in South Dakota (YoY change 3.00%). That stock of incomplete credentials sits alongside the completion and employment metrics above.

City profiles in this state

Metro and city aggregates for places with at least three reporting campuses in the College Scorecard.

CityCampuses
Rapid City5
Sioux Falls7

FAQ

How much does college cost in South Dakota?

Median in-state tuition among reporting campuses in South Dakota is $8,294 and median net price is $15,911. U.S. medians are $5,512 (tuition) and $9,967 (net price). South Dakota tuition is about +50.5% vs the national median; net price is +59.6%.

What is typical student debt for graduates in South Dakota?

Median federal loan debt among completers in South Dakota is $23,250 vs a U.S. median of $13,432 (South Dakota ranks #52 nationally for median debt among states.)

What do graduates earn in South Dakota?

Median earnings 10 years after entry for South Dakota campuses reporting to the College Scorecard is $51,926 vs $54,323 nationally. Six-year medians are $46,712.

What share of South Dakota graduates are working after college?

The federal employment-outcome proxy used on this site (8-year cohort working and not enrolled) has a median of 94.5% in South Dakota vs 87.9% nationally.

How many colleges are in South Dakota?

This profile aggregates 13 campuses with cost or outcomes data in South Dakota and roughly 35,477 total reported enrollment.

How many public vs. private colleges are in South Dakota?

Among campuses with outcomes in the College Scorecard extract: 6 public, 4 private nonprofit, and 0 private for-profit institutions.

What are the top colleges in South Dakota?

Rankings on this page are drawn from College Scorecard medians; standouts include highest 150%-time graduation rate: Augustana University; highest 10-year earnings: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; lowest net price among large campuses: Northern State University. See the ranked lists below for full details.

Are there HBCUs, Hispanic-serving, tribal, or religious colleges in South Dakota?

Among 25 campuses in South Dakota, 3 tribal colleges (IPEDS TRIBAL flag), including Oglala Lakota College, Sinte Gleska University, and Sisseton Wahpeton College; 6 religiously affiliated private nonprofit campuses (IPEDS RELAFFIL); most common affiliations: Roman Catholic (2), Evangelical Lutheran Church (1), United Methodist (1).

How does South Dakota compare to its Census region?

South Dakota is in the Plains region. Regional median in-state tuition is $6,225 and median debt is $17,500 vs $8,294 tuition and $23,250 debt in South Dakota.

Sources & related