Rankings / By State
Best Master's Programs in South Dakota
- 10
- Schools
- $54,016
- Avg. Earnings
- 56%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,990
- Avg. Net Price
- $24,731
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $46,674 at the low end to $72,257 at the top. That 1.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $72,257 against $20,183 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Northern State University, at $15,812 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Augustana University graduates 74% of its students, well above the 56% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor South Dakota School of Mines and Technology: graduates owe only 0.37× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to University of Sioux Falls ($54,521 earnings), not the highest earner, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($72,257). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Northern State University ($15,812/yr) and Augustana University ($23,894/yr) produce graduates earning $47,618 and $59,217 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $8,082 cost difference would suggest.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Augustana University graduates 74% of its students versus 40% at Black Hills State University. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and Augustana University. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $54K 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 University of Sioux Falls #1 overall | $54,521 ▲ +1% vs avg | $21,383 | 62% | 63 |
| 2 University of South Dakota #2 overall | $51,926 ▼ -4% vs avg | $19,858 | 61% | 62 |
| 3 Mount Marty University #3 overall | $48,179 ▼ -11% vs avg | $22,227 | 56% | 60 |
| $72,257 ▲ +34% vs avg | $20,183 | 56% | 59 | |
| $47,618 ▼ -12% vs avg | $15,812 | 51% | 59 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Master's Programs in South Dakota
This analysis ranks 10 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $54,016 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 56% and an average net price of $19,990.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology — Net Price: $20,183 | Graduation Rate: 56%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Augustana University — 74% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology — Median alumni earnings: $72,257
Our Analysis Found
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?
$52,827
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$20,021
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across South Dakota serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
The median graduation rate across these 10 schools is 56%. Median graduate earnings reach $52,827 ten years after enrollment, roughly $4,827 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $20,021 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $24,296. Some 20% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.4%.
For South Dakota, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $20,021 and graduates earning a median of $52,827, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Sioux Falls lands at #1 with a 63/100 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, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,383 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 #2
University of South Dakota lands at #2 with a 62/100 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, 4% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Mount Marty University lands at #3 with a 60/100 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, 11% 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
Rapid City, SD · 80% accepted · $20,183 net
Why it ranks #4
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology lands at #4 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, 34% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,183 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 #5
Northern State University lands at #5 with a 59/100 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, 12% 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 #6
South Dakota State University lands at #6 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, 2% 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 #7
Augustana University lands at #7 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, 10% 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 #8
Dakota State University lands at #8 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, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,057 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 #9
Black Hills State University lands at #9 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, 14% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Dakota Wesleyan University lands at #10 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, 1% below 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 10 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
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.
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 3 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.4%. Mount Marty University leads the group at 1.5%, with University of Sioux Falls (1.5%) and University of South Dakota (1.2%) close behind.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 13.3% across this list. University of Sioux Falls posts the highest success rate at 20.9%. 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 1.70 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 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Master's Programs in South Dakota: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Master's Programs in South Dakota ranking? +
University of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, SD ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Master's Programs in South Dakota ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $54,521 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 62% 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 $54,016 average across the 10 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, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology leads: graduates earn a median $72,257 against net price of about $20,183 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 56% 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 $19,990 a year across the 10 ranked schools with cost data. Northern State University is among the most affordable at roughly $15,812. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Master's Programs 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 10 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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