Rankings / By State

Best Master'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

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Choosing a master's program is a significant decision, especially when weighing options in South Dakota. These schools share a commitment to preparing graduates for successful careers, reflected in their earnings and graduation rates. For example, the average earnings of graduates from these programs is $54,016, a figure worth considering as you evaluate your options.

The standout programs in this list are distinguished by key outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, and debt levels. As you look through the rankings, pay attention to how these factors can impact your financial future and career trajectory. A higher graduation rate often correlates with better job prospects, so understanding these metrics will help you make an informed choice.

For instance, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology leads with an impressive $72,257 average earnings and a 56% graduation rate. In contrast, Northern State University offers a lower earning potential at $47,618 but has a similar graduation rate of 51%. This contrast illustrates the trade-offs you might face as you consider program fit and financial implications.

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%.

Northern State University has the lowest net price on the list at $15,812.

The average debt for graduates from these programs is $23,870.

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

Master's programs in South Dakota ranked by graduate outcomes

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 stands out as a private nonprofit institution with a strong graduation rate of 62%. This indicates that a significant number of students successfully complete their degrees, and the median earnings of $54,521 at ten years point to solid financial outcomes for graduates in a variety of fields.

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 draws in a diverse range of students eager to pursue their educational goals. The university's median earnings of $51,926 at the ten-year mark highlight the potential for a solid return on investment after graduation, suggesting that graduates are well-prepared to enter the job market and succeed in their careers.

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, serves around 697 students and excels in fostering a community-focused atmosphere. With a graduation rate of 56%, this institution is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals. Graduates see median earnings of $48,179 within ten years of completing their studies, reflecting a solid return on investment for their education.

43% accepted 56% graduate $48,179 earnings

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD · 2,071 students · Public

At the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, students dive into a hands-on education focused on engineering and science. With median earnings of $72,257 a decade after graduation, graduates often find themselves in well-paying careers that leverage their technical skills and innovative mindset.

80% accepted 56% graduate $72,257 earnings

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD · 1,273 students · Public

Northern State University in Aberdeen welcomes students into a nurturing environment with a focus on personalized education. With a graduation rate of 51%, this university aims to support students in their academic journey, offering strong community connections and resources to help them succeed.

93% accepted 51% graduate $47,618 earnings

Northern's full profile

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · 9,198 students · Public

Located in Brookings, South Dakota State University is known for its larger campus environment and diverse range of programs. With a graduation rate of 61%, students have access to a variety of resources designed to help them succeed academically and socially during their college years.

98% accepted 61% graduate $55,070 earnings

Augustana University

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

Augustana University in Sioux Falls offers a more intimate college experience with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education. With a graduation rate of 74%, the university fosters an engaging community that encourages personal and intellectual growth among its students.

68% accepted 74% graduate $59,217 earnings

Augustana's full profile

Dakota State University

Madison, SD · 2,071 students · Public

Located in Madison, Dakota State University is a strong choice for tech-savvy students, given its emphasis on technology and innovation in various fields. The university's graduation rate of 50% and median earnings of $50,970 at ten years suggest that many graduates find success in their careers, although there is room for improvement in student completion rates.

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 in Spearfish is an inviting option for students seeking a tight-knit community and a picturesque setting. The university's 40% graduation rate indicates challenges in student retention, but the median earnings of $46,674 at ten years suggest that those who graduate can still find fulfilling career paths.

96% accepted 40% graduate $46,674 earnings

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD · 670 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of 670, Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, creates an intimate learning environment where individual attention is prioritized. The school has a solid acceptance rate of 73%, making it accessible for many aspiring students. Those who graduate can expect median earnings of $53,728 a decade after enrolling, highlighting the potential financial benefits of a degree from this institution.

73% accepted 47% graduate $53,728 earnings

Dakota's full profile

The data reveals a key pattern: the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology outperforms other programs in terms of earnings despite a graduation rate of 56%. In comparison, Augustana University has a higher graduation rate of 74% but lower average earnings of $59,217. This suggests a trade-off between immediate financial return and the likelihood of completing the program.

As you sift through the options, consider how each program aligns with your personal priorities. Think about location, the specific program offerings, and your financial situation. If earning potential is your primary concern, the top-ranked schools might stand out, but if campus culture and personal fulfillment are more critical, explore what each school has to offer beyond the numbers.

Ultimately, this data highlights the importance of making a well-informed choice about your educational path. For many families, selecting the right master's program can lead to a more stable financial future and a fulfilling career. One decision today can set the course for years to come.

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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