Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in South Dakota
- 14
- Schools
- $51,666
- Avg. Earnings
- 58%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,529
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,308
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 14 schools run from $40,240 to $72,257, a 1.8× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Mitchell Technical College delivers the most for the money: roughly $50,743 in median earnings against $13,460 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Western Dakota Technical College is the lowest-cost school here at $12,670 a year in net price.
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Augustana University graduates 74% of its students, versus a 58% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Mitchell Technical College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.24× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Mitchell Technical College ($50,743 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($72,257), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Western Dakota Technical College costs $12,670 a year and Augustana University costs $23,894. Yet their graduates earn $40,240 and $59,217, nowhere near the $11,224 price gap.
- On value, Mitchell Technical College beats South Dakota School of Mines and Technology: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Mitchell Technical College and Augustana University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $51K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mitchell Technical College #1 overall | $50,743 ▼ -2% vs avg | $13,460 | 74% | 68 |
| 2 Lake Area Technical College #2 overall | $45,473 ▼ -12% vs avg | $15,979 | 69% | 66 |
| 3 University of Sioux Falls #3 overall | $54,521 ▲ +6% vs avg | $21,383 | 62% | 65 |
| $46,709 ▼ -10% vs avg | $17,400 | 56% | 64 | |
| $51,926 ▲ +1% vs avg | $19,858 | 61% | 63 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in South Dakota
This analysis ranks 14 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $51,666 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 58% and an average net price of $18,529.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Mitchell Technical College — Net Price: $13,460 | Graduation Rate: 74%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Augustana University — 74% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology — Median alumni earnings: $72,257
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
South Dakota Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in South Dakota?
$50,857
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$19,788
Median net price
1.8%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across South Dakota, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Across the 14 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $50,857 ten years after they first enrolled, about $2,857 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 56%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $19,788 a year, with about $23,375 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 23% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.8%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for South Dakota pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $19,788 and median earnings of $50,857 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Mitchell Technical College lands at #1 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (70/100). Graduates earn a median $50,743 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,460 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Lake Area Technical College lands at #2 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $45,473 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,979 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of Sioux Falls lands at #3 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $54,521 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,383 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Southeast Technical College lands at #4 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,709 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,400 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of South Dakota lands at #5 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $51,926 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,858 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Mount Marty University lands at #6 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $48,179 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,227 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Western Dakota Technical College lands at #7 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $40,240 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,670 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Rapid City, SD · 80% accepted · $20,183 net
Why it ranks #8
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology lands at #8 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $72,257 a decade after enrolling, 40% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,183 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Augustana University lands at #9 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $59,217 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,894 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
South Dakota State University lands at #10 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $55,070 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,841 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Northern State University lands at #11 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,618 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,812 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Dakota State University lands at #12 with a 57/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $50,970 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,057 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Dakota Wesleyan University lands at #13 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (63/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $53,728 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,735 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Black Hills State University lands at #14 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (62/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $46,674 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,911 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 14 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
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.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 7 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.8%. Mitchell Technical College leads the group at 3.1%, with Western Dakota Technical College (1.7%) and Lake Area Technical College (1.7%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 10.1% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Western Dakota Technical College leads at 14.9%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 16.6% across this list. Mitchell Technical College posts the highest success rate at 31.7%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.51 against a national benchmark of 1.0. University of Sioux Falls reaches 1.76, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges in South Dakota: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in South Dakota ranking? +
Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, SD ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges in South Dakota ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $50,743 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 74% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology posts the highest median earnings on this list: $72,257 ten years after enrollment, well above the $51,666 average across the 14 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Mitchell Technical College leads: graduates earn a median $50,743 against net price of about $13,460 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Augustana University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 74%, compared with a 58% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $18,529 a year across the 14 ranked schools with cost data. Western Dakota Technical College is among the most affordable at roughly $12,670. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges in South Dakota ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 14 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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