Rankings / By State

Best Colleges in South Dakota

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 14 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$51,666

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

58%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$18,529

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a college is a significant decision, especially in a state like South Dakota, where education can shape future career opportunities. The schools on this list share a commitment to preparing students for success in the workforce, with strong programs that lead to solid earnings after graduation. On average, graduates from these institutions earn around $51,666 annually, which is a compelling figure for anyone weighing their options.

What sets the top colleges apart are their graduation rates, debt levels, and post-graduation earnings. For instance, institutions with higher graduation rates tend to correlate with better earning potential. The list below highlights the schools that excel in these areas, showing how to balance financial considerations against the likelihood of completing a degree and landing a well-paying job afterward.

Take Mitchell Technical College and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, for example. While Mitchell Technical College has a higher graduation rate at 74% compared to the School of Mines' 56%, the latter boasts significantly higher average earnings of $72,257 upon graduation. Understanding these nuances can help students and families make informed choices that align with their career goals and financial realities.

Key Findings

Mitchell Technical College graduates earn an average of $50,743, with a 74% graduation rate.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers the highest earnings at $72,257, but has a 56% graduation rate.

Northern State University has a lower average earning of $47,618, with a 51% graduation rate.

Lake Area Technical College graduates face a debt of only $12,000, while South Dakota State University's graduates leave with $23,250.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 14

Avg. earnings at 10yr $51,666

Avg. graduation rate 58%

Avg. net price $18,529

Avg. median debt $21,308

How We Ranked

Composite score for institutions in South Dakota

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

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, SD

Graduation74%

Earnings$50,743

Net Price$13,460

View full profile →

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD

Graduation69%

Earnings$45,473

Net Price$15,979

View full profile →

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD

Graduation62%

Earnings$54,521

Net Price$21,383

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, SD · 990 students · Public

With a solid graduation rate of 74%, Mitchell Technical College in South Dakota equips students with the skills needed for successful careers in technical fields. The hands-on training and supportive environment help students gain practical experience that translates directly into the workforce.

74% graduate $50,743 earnings

Mitchell's full profile

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD · 1,812 students · Public

Located in Watertown, Lake Area Technical College has a strong focus on hands-on learning that prepares students for immediate employment in high-demand fields. With a solid graduation rate of 69%, this public institution supports students in building practical skills that translate into good job prospects.

69% graduate $45,473 earnings

University of Sioux Falls

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

The University of Sioux Falls is a private nonprofit institution that combines a strong liberal arts curriculum with professional programs, fostering a well-rounded education. With a graduation rate of 62% and impressive median earnings of $54,521 after ten years, students here are positioned to succeed in a competitive job market.

83% accepted 62% graduate $54,521 earnings

University's full profile

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD · 2,310 students · Public

Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls is an inviting choice for students interested in hands-on training and technical education. With a graduation rate of 56% and median earnings of $46,709 ten years after graduation, the college emphasizes practical skills that lead to solid job prospects in various fields.

56% graduate $46,709 earnings

Southeast's full profile

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · 5,439 students · Public

The University of South Dakota in Vermillion presents a comprehensive college experience with a broad range of academic programs. Despite a graduation rate of 61%, the university's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its 99% acceptance rate, opening doors for many students to pursue higher education.

99% accepted 61% graduate $51,926 earnings

University's full profile

Mount Marty University

Yankton, SD · 697 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty University welcomes around 697 students into a nurturing educational environment that prioritizes both academic achievement and personal growth. The university emphasizes the importance of community and service, preparing students for professional success while encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to society. This blend of academic rigor and community involvement makes Mount Marty an attractive option for students driven by purpose and connection.

43% accepted 56% graduate $48,179 earnings

Western Dakota Technical College

Rapid City, SD · 753 students · Public

Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City welcomes students eager to gain hands-on skills in a variety of programs. With a graduation rate of 54% and median earnings of $40,240 ten years post-graduation, this college is a practical choice for those aiming for a quick transition into the workforce with applicable qualifications.

54% graduate $40,240 earnings

Western's full profile

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD · 2,071 students · Public

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a hub for students passionate about engineering and technology, with a median earnings potential of $72,257 a decade after graduation. This institution attracts individuals looking for rigorous academic programs that prepare them for innovative careers in STEM fields.

80% accepted 56% graduate $72,257 earnings

Augustana University

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

Augustana University in Sioux Falls blends a rigorous liberal arts education with a supportive community, making it an appealing choice for students looking for a personalized learning environment. With a graduation rate of 74%, the school emphasizes student success and offers a variety of programs that cater to diverse interests and career paths.

68% accepted 74% graduate $59,217 earnings

Augustana's full profile

#10

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · 9,198 students · Public

South Dakota State University in Brookings is a vibrant campus with a substantial student body of nearly 9,200. With a graduation rate of 61%, it supports a variety of academic paths, encouraging students to explore their interests while building a solid foundation for their future careers.

98% accepted 61% graduate $55,070 earnings

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD · 1,273 students · Public

Northern State University offers a welcoming campus experience in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with a diverse range of programs. The 51% graduation rate may seem modest, but many students find a supportive community that fosters growth and engagement throughout their studies.

93% accepted 51% graduate $47,618 earnings

Northern's full profile

#12

Dakota State University

Madison, SD · 2,071 students · Public

Dakota State University in Madison is known for its emphasis on technology and innovation, which makes it an attractive option for students interested in fields like computer science and cybersecurity. However, with a graduation rate of only 50%, it's crucial for prospective students to consider their commitment and readiness for the challenges ahead.

88% accepted 50% graduate $50,970 earnings

Dakota's full profile

#13

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD · 670 students · Private nonprofit

With a strong focus on community and personal attention, Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, serves a close-knit student body of around 670. The school has a diverse range of programs that cater to various interests and a supportive environment that encourages student involvement and growth. This setting cultivates not just academic success but also personal development, making it a compelling choice for those looking for a more intimate college experience.

73% accepted 47% graduate $53,728 earnings

Dakota's full profile

#14

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD · 1,928 students · Public

At Black Hills State University, located in the picturesque town of Spearfish, students have the chance to immerse themselves in a supportive community with a 96% acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse range of backgrounds. With median earnings of $46,674 a decade after graduation, the school positions itself as a solid option for students looking to make a significant impact in their careers.

96% accepted 40% graduate $46,674 earnings

The data reveals an interesting contrast between Mitchell Technical College and South Dakota State University. While Mitchell graduates earn $50,743 on average, they enjoy a higher graduation rate of 74%. In comparison, South Dakota State graduates earn $55,070, but with a graduation rate of 61%. This highlights the importance of weighing outcomes like graduation rates against potential earnings when choosing a school.

After reviewing these schools, it’s essential to consider personal priorities alongside the data. Think about what matters most: location, specific programs, or the overall campus experience. If you value low debt, for instance, Lake Area Technical College stands out with an average debt of only $12,000, making it a financially attractive option despite lower earnings compared to other institutions.

This data underscores the critical link between education and financial stability. Making the right college choice can lead to a secure future, but it requires careful consideration of each institution’s outcomes. One decision can set a family on a path toward a stable life, emphasizing the need to balance aspirations with practical realities.

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.

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