# Best Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 10 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-south-dakota

## Methodology

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

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Sioux Falls](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-sioux-falls) | Sioux Falls, SD | 62% | $54,521 | $21,383 | $23,249 | 0.43x |
| 2 | [University of South Dakota](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-dakota) | Vermillion, SD | 61% | $51,926 | $19,858 | $23,592 | 0.45x |
| 3 | [Mount Marty University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mount-marty-university) | Yankton, SD | 56% | $48,179 | $22,227 | $26,396 | 0.55x |
| 4 | [South Dakota School of Mines and Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-dakota-school-of-mines-and-technology) | Rapid City, SD | 56% | $72,257 | $20,183 | $27,000 | 0.37x |
| 5 | [Northern State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-state-university) | Aberdeen, SD | 51% | $47,618 | $15,812 | $22,320 | 0.47x |
| 6 | [South Dakota State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-dakota-state-university) | Brookings, SD | 61% | $55,070 | $19,841 | $23,250 | 0.42x |
| 7 | [Augustana University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/augustana-university) | Sioux Falls, SD | 74% | $59,217 | $23,894 | $25,000 | 0.42x |
| 8 | [Dakota State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dakota-state-university) | Madison, SD | 50% | $50,970 | $21,057 | $23,500 | 0.46x |
| 9 | [Black Hills State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/black-hills-state-university) | Spearfish, SD | 40% | $46,674 | $15,911 | $26,000 | 0.56x |
| 10 | [Dakota Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dakota-wesleyan-university) | Mitchell, SD | 47% | $53,728 | $19,735 | $27,000 | 0.5x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-south-dakota

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.