Best colleges in South Dakota
New Faces, New Places
Experience college life from a region proud of their American roots
South Dakota is simply overflowing with history. From pioneer museums to Mount Rushmore, there’s definitely plenty to experience. The education system is also top-notch, with 22 college and university options.* Medical school, law school, and a public university that’s been around since 1862 are all options for those seeking out higher education in South Dakota. Graduates often choose to hang onto the picturesque beauty of the region and proceed to careers at places like Rushmore Media Company, Daktronics, or Init Records.* Popular majors include architecture, business administration, and computer engineering. And with the 2nd lowest unemployment rate in the country, 3.4%, jobs will be much easier to find here than the other 48 states.
Besides the popular tourist destination of Mount Rushmore, you’ll find yourself looking for more time. Famed author Laura Ingalls Wilder was born and raised in South Dakota, and on the weekends, you can visit the original home and schoolhouse in which she lived. If you’re looking for a silly time, check out the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota.* Head outdoors for rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, or jet skiing. And when the sun sets and you’re ready for some nighttime refreshment, pay a visit to Saloon #10 Bar in Deadwood. This old style saloon is actually a museum – with a bar. However you choose to enjoy your college days in South Dakota, you can rest assured a new adventure is waiting just across the prairie.
Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*Bureau of Labor Statistics *Wikipedia, “List of Colleges and Universities in South Dakota”, “Companies based in South Dakota” *www.travelsd.comBest Four Year Universities in South Dakota
Augustana University offers 60 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2020, 560 students graduated with students earning 400 Bachelor's degrees, and 160 Master's degrees.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers 53 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 542 students graduated with students earning 416 Bachelor's degrees, 84 Master's degrees, 24 Certificates, 15 Doctoral degrees, and 3 Associate's degrees.
South Dakota State University offers 223 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2020, 2,549 students graduated with students earning 1,893 Bachelor's degrees, 378 Master's degrees, 165 Doctoral degrees, 87 Associate's degrees, and 26 Certificates.
University of South Dakota offers 181 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2020, 2,173 students graduated with students earning 1,288 Bachelor's degrees, 566 Master's degrees, 250 Doctoral degrees, 42 Certificates, and 27 Associate's degrees.
Dakota Wesleyan University offers 69 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a remote town. In 2020, 196 students graduated with students earning 167 Bachelor's degrees, 27 Master's degrees, 1 Associate's degree, and 1 Certificate.
Mount Marty University offers 52 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a remote town. In 2020, 192 students graduated with students earning 111 Bachelor's degrees, 34 Doctoral degrees, 25 Master's degrees, 17 Associate's degrees, and 5 Certificates.
Northern State University offers 77 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2020, 331 students graduated with students earning 247 Bachelor's degrees, 66 Master's degrees, and 18 Associate's degrees.
Dakota State University offers 89 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2020, 560 students graduated with students earning 346 Bachelor's degrees, 123 Master's degrees, 52 Associate's degrees, 23 Certificates, and 16 Doctoral degrees.
University of Sioux Falls offers 71 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2020, 498 students graduated with students earning 330 Bachelor's degrees, 163 Master's degrees, and 5 Associate's degrees.
Presentation College offers 41 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a remote town. In 2020, 172 students graduated with students earning 154 Bachelor's degrees, 9 Associate's degrees, 7 Master's degrees, and 2 Certificates.
Best Community Colleges in South Dakota
Mitchell Technical College offers 52 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2020, 417 students graduated with students earning 306 Associate's degrees, and 111 Certificates.
Lake Area Technical College offers 45 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a remote town. In 2020, 819 students graduated with students earning 595 Associate's degrees, and 224 Certificates.
Southeast Technical College offers 59 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2020, 917 students graduated with students earning 614 Associate's degrees, and 303 Certificates.
Western Dakota Technical College offers 52 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2020, 329 students graduated with students earning 202 Associate's degrees, and 127 Certificates.
Sisseton Wahpeton College offers 14 degree programs. It's a very small, public, two-year college in a remote rural area. In 2020, 24 students graduated with students earning 16 Associate's degrees, and 8 Certificates.
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| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Augustana University Sioux Falls, SD | 16 : 1 | 2,019 | |
|
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD | 16 : 1 | 2,475 | |
|
Mitchell Technical College Mitchell, SD | 18 : 1 | 1,162 | |
|
South Dakota State University Brookings, SD | 23 : 1 | 11,405 | |
|
University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD | 24 : 1 | 9,459 | |