Rankings / By State (Affordable)

Most Affordable 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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Finding an affordable college can feel overwhelming, especially when considering all the options available in South Dakota. The schools on this list share a commitment to keeping net prices low while preparing students for rewarding careers. With average earnings of $51,666, these institutions are worth examining closely.

What sets these schools apart is not just their low tuition, but also their outcomes. Factors like graduation rates, average debt, and post-graduate earnings reflect how well these colleges support their students. The schools listed below show a variety of paths students can take, revealing the potential trade-offs between cost and future earnings.

For instance, Western Dakota Technical College has a lower net price of $12,670, but a graduation rate of 54%. In contrast, Mitchell Technical College, while slightly more expensive at $13,460, boasts a much higher graduation rate of 74% and higher average earnings of $50,743. These differences highlight the need for careful consideration of what each institution can offer beyond just the cost.

Key Findings

Western Dakota Technical College has a net price of $12,670 and average earnings of $40,240.

Mitchell Technical College offers a higher graduation rate of 74%, compared to 54% at Western Dakota Technical College.

Northern State University has an average debt of $22,320, which is significantly higher than the $12,000 debt at Lake Area Technical College.

The average graduation rate across these schools is 58%, but it ranges from 40% to 74%.

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

Ranked by lowest net price 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

Western Dakota Technical College

Rapid City, SD

Graduation54%

Earnings$40,240

Net Price$12,670

View full profile →

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, SD

Graduation74%

Earnings$50,743

Net Price$13,460

View full profile →

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD

Graduation51%

Earnings$47,618

Net Price$15,812

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Western Dakota Technical College

Rapid City, SD · 753 students · Public

Located in Rapid City, Western Dakota Technical College serves a small student body of 753, making it a tight-knit community where students can easily connect with peers and instructors. The college focuses on practical, hands-on training that aligns well with local workforce needs, especially in fields like health sciences and technical trades.

54% graduate $40,240 earnings

Western's full profile

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, SD · 990 students · Public

Mitchell Technical College is known for its strong emphasis on career readiness, with a graduation rate of 74% among its 990 students. The college creates pathways to success in high-demand fields like agriculture, healthcare, and technology, preparing students for immediate employment after finishing their studies.

74% graduate $50,743 earnings

Mitchell's full profile

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD · 1,273 students · Public

Northern State University in Aberdeen welcomes a diverse student body of 1,273, with a significant 93% acceptance rate. While the graduation rate sits at 51%, the university is committed to supporting students through various academic and extracurricular programs that help enhance their college experience and build community.

93% accepted 51% graduate $47,618 earnings

Northern's full profile

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD · 1,928 students · Public

Black Hills State University, situated in Spearfish, welcomes nearly 2,000 students into a vibrant educational setting. Despite a graduation rate of only 40%, the university fosters a supportive environment that encourages student engagement, with a 96% acceptance rate making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.

96% accepted 40% graduate $46,674 earnings

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD · 1,812 students · Public

With a solid graduation rate of 69%, Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD, has established itself as a reliable choice for hands-on education. The school focuses on practical skills that prepare students for immediate employment, leading to a median earning of $45,473 within a decade of graduation.

69% graduate $45,473 earnings

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD · 2,310 students · Public

Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, SD, serves as a gateway to solid career opportunities with a median earning of $46,709 for graduates after ten years. Although the graduation rate is lower at 56%, the college emphasizes workforce readiness, which appeals to students eager to jump into their careers quickly.

56% graduate $46,709 earnings

Southeast'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 is a strong contender for students looking for a supportive environment. Located in Vermillion, this public university has a diverse student body of 5,439, giving you plenty of opportunities to connect and grow both academically and socially.

99% accepted 61% graduate $51,926 earnings

University's full profile

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD · 670 students · Private nonprofit

Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, combines a nurturing environment with a focus on personal growth. While the graduation rate is at 47%, the median earnings for graduates reach $53,728 within ten years, suggesting that students who complete their degrees often find rewarding careers in various fields.

73% accepted 47% graduate $53,728 earnings

Dakota's full profile

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · 9,198 students · Public

South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, is home to a vibrant student body of nearly 9,200. With a graduation rate of 61% and median earnings of $55,070 after ten years, it shows a strong commitment to student success across many disciplines.

98% accepted 61% graduate $55,070 earnings

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD · 2,071 students · Public

Nestled in Rapid City, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology emphasizes a strong engineering and technology focus, attracting students with a passion for STEM fields. With a smaller student population of 2,071, this public institution fosters close-knit relationships and hands-on learning experiences that prepare graduates for high-demand careers.

80% accepted 56% graduate $72,257 earnings

Dakota State University

Madison, SD · 2,071 students · Public

Dakota State University in Madison is an appealing option for students interested in technology and applied sciences. With an acceptance rate of 88% and a student body of 2,071, it offers a personalized academic experience that can help students thrive in their chosen fields, especially in a digital world increasingly reliant on tech skills.

88% accepted 50% graduate $50,970 earnings

Dakota's full profile

#12

University of Sioux Falls

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

In the heart of Sioux Falls, the University of Sioux Falls is a private nonprofit institution that embraces a supportive community atmosphere. With a graduation rate of 62% and a total enrollment of 1,218 students, it allows for personalized attention from faculty, which can enhance the learning experience and foster personal connections that last a lifetime.

83% accepted 62% graduate $54,521 earnings

University's full profile

#13

Mount Marty University

Yankton, SD · 697 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of just 697, Mount Marty University in Yankton, SD, emphasizes a tight-knit community where personalized attention is the norm. This personal approach can be a game-changer for students seeking support and mentorship throughout their college journey, contributing to a graduation rate of 56%.

43% accepted 56% graduate $48,179 earnings

Augustana University

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

Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Augustana University is home to nearly 2,000 students and fosters a vibrant campus atmosphere. With a graduation rate of 74%, this university attracts students eager to engage both academically and socially, making it a great choice for those seeking a balanced college experience.

68% accepted 74% graduate $59,217 earnings

Augustana's full profile

When comparing these colleges, the data reveals some intriguing trends. For example, while Black Hills State University has a net price of $15,911, its graduation rate is only 40%. In contrast, Lake Area Technical College has a competitive net price of $15,979 but a graduation rate of 69%. This suggests that a slightly higher investment might yield better completion outcomes, which can ultimately impact career prospects.

After scrolling through these options, it’s crucial to weigh the data against your personal priorities. Consider what matters most to you: Is it the lowest net price, the highest graduation rate, or the best earning potential after graduation? Make a table of your own priorities and align them with the listed schools to find the best fit.

The stakes are significant. Choosing the right college can lead to a stable life and a fulfilling career. For a family contemplating these options, the decision can affect not just finances but also future opportunities and stability. By carefully examining these schools and what they can offer, families can make informed choices that align with their goals and values.

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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