Rankings / By State

Best Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 10 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$54,016

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

56%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$19,990

Avg. Net Price

Find Your Program

Explore Accredited Programs in This Field

Find accredited programs in this field accepting applicants.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Choosing the right bachelor's program in South Dakota can significantly impact a student's future. With various options available, families are weighing factors like graduation rates, earnings potential, and debt. The average earnings for graduates in this state stand at $54,016, reflecting a promising return on investment for education.

What sets the top programs apart from others are their outcomes related to earnings, graduation rates, and student debt. These metrics provide insight into how well institutions prepare students for the workforce and their ability to advance economically. As you explore the list below, consider how these programs stack up against one another based on these crucial factors.

For instance, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology leads with earnings of $72,257 and a graduation rate of 56%. In contrast, Northern State University reports lower earnings of $47,618 and a graduation rate of 51%. This difference illustrates the trade-offs students might face when selecting a program that meets their personal and financial needs.

Key Findings

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates earn an average of $72,257.

Augustana University has the highest graduation rate at 74%.

The average student debt across these programs is $23,250.

Northern State University students face an average net price of $15,812.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 10

Avg. earnings at 10yr $54,016

Avg. graduation rate 56%

Avg. net price $19,990

Avg. median debt $24,731

How We Ranked

Bachelor's programs in South Dakota ranked by outcomes and mobility

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD

Graduation62%

Earnings$54,521

Net Price$21,383

View full profile →

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

Graduation61%

Earnings$51,926

Net Price$19,858

View full profile →

Mount Marty University

Yankton, SD

Graduation56%

Earnings$48,179

Net Price$22,227

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD · 1,218 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Sioux Falls offers a nurturing environment that prepares students for a variety of career paths. With a graduation rate of 62% and a smaller student body of 1,218, it emphasizes individualized attention and a community-focused approach, making it appealing for those who thrive in close-knit settings.

83% accepted 62% graduate $54,521 earnings

University's full profile

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · 5,439 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 99%, the University of South Dakota caters to a diverse range of students. Located in Vermillion, this public university has a vibrant campus community of over 5,400 students, which fosters a collaborative learning environment and encourages participation in various extracurricular activities.

99% accepted 61% graduate $51,926 earnings

University's full profile

Mount Marty University

Yankton, SD · 697 students · Private nonprofit

Mount Marty University in Yankton, SD, welcomes around 700 students into a warm and engaging learning atmosphere. Its commitment to student success is reflected in a graduation rate of 56%, indicating that a significant number of students complete their degrees and are well-prepared for their careers. The university fosters a sense of community, which can be a big draw for students looking for a more intimate educational experience.

43% accepted 56% graduate $48,179 earnings

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD · 2,071 students · Public

With a focus on engineering and technology, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City attracts students interested in STEM fields. The school's graduates earn a median of $72,257 within ten years, reflecting strong job placement in high-demand areas.

80% accepted 56% graduate $72,257 earnings

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD · 1,273 students · Public

Located in Aberdeen, Northern State University is a cozy campus that welcomes students from various backgrounds. With 93% of applicants accepted, it’s an inclusive option for those looking to pursue a range of undergraduate degrees.

93% accepted 51% graduate $47,618 earnings

Northern's full profile

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · 9,198 students · Public

South Dakota State University in Brookings is the largest public university in the state, catering to a diverse student body. It has a graduation rate of 61%, and its graduates earn a median income of $55,070 ten years after graduation, making it a solid choice for career-focused students.

98% accepted 61% graduate $55,070 earnings

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD · 1,965 students · Private nonprofit

Augustana University in Sioux Falls offers a personalized education with a strong emphasis on liberal arts. With a 74% graduation rate and median earnings of $59,217 ten years after graduation, it prepares students well for a range of professional paths.

68% accepted 74% graduate $59,217 earnings

Augustana's full profile

Dakota State University

Madison, SD · 2,071 students · Public

Dakota State University in Madison invites those interested in technology and applied sciences. With a student body of approximately 2,071, it cultivates a close-knit atmosphere where personalized attention from faculty is a hallmark, making it ideal for students looking to explore fields like cyber security and health informatics.

88% accepted 50% graduate $50,970 earnings

Dakota's full profile

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD · 1,928 students · Public

Black Hills State University, located in the scenic Spearfish area, invites students seeking a supportive environment and a strong sense of community. With an acceptance rate of 96% and a student population of around 1,928, the campus is perfect for those looking for a more personalized college experience.

96% accepted 40% graduate $46,674 earnings

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD · 670 students · Private nonprofit

At Dakota Wesleyan University, located in Mitchell, SD, students benefit from a close-knit community with a relatively low student population of 670. Here, 73% of applicants find a spot in the classroom, reflecting a welcoming environment that emphasizes personalized education and support. With a graduation rate of 47%, students can engage in a variety of programs that foster growth both academically and personally.

73% accepted 47% graduate $53,728 earnings

Dakota's full profile

When we compare South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and Northern State University, the disparities in earnings and graduation rates are telling. The Mines produce graduates earning $72,257, while Northern's graduates earn only $47,618. This gap underscores the importance of choosing a program that aligns with career goals and financial expectations.

As you sift through these options, think about your priorities. Consider what matters most: Is it location? Specific programs? Campus culture? Weighing these personal factors against the data can help clarify which institution might be the best fit for you.

The path from college to a stable life is shaped by these choices. A degree can open doors, but the right program can mean the difference between financial stability and struggle. With this data in hand, families can make informed decisions that lead to better futures.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

Related Rankings

All Rankings Methodology Best Colleges Social Mobility Highest Mobility