# Best Master'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-masters-south-dakota

## Methodology

Master's programs in South Dakota ranked by graduate outcomes

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 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.

## 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 Master's Programs in South Dakota." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.