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 70 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 571 students graduated with students earning 381 Bachelor's degrees, and 190 Master's degrees.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers 60 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 556 students graduated with students earning 377 Bachelor's degrees, 131 Master's degrees, 30 Certificates, 16 Doctoral degrees, and 2 Associate's degrees.
Mount Marty University offers 57 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a remote town. In 2023, 207 students graduated with students earning 129 Bachelor's degrees, 31 Doctoral degrees, 29 Master's degrees, 12 Certificates, and 6 Associate's degrees.
South Dakota State University offers 228 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2023, 2,387 students graduated with students earning 1,794 Bachelor's degrees, 334 Master's degrees, 123 Associate's degrees, 116 Doctoral degrees, and 20 Certificates.
University of South Dakota offers 154 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2023, 2,025 students graduated with students earning 1,149 Bachelor's degrees, 530 Master's degrees, 258 Doctoral degrees, 64 Certificates, and 24 Associate's degrees.
Dakota Wesleyan University offers 68 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a remote town. In 2023, 219 students graduated with students earning 142 Bachelor's degrees, 68 Master's degrees, and 9 Associate's degrees.
University of Sioux Falls offers 67 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 424 students graduated with students earning 306 Bachelor's degrees, 109 Master's degrees, and 9 Associate's degrees.
Northern State University offers 108 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2023, 420 students graduated with students earning 276 Bachelor's degrees, 113 Master's degrees, 29 Associate's degrees, and 2 Certificates.
Dakota State University offers 111 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2023, 564 students graduated with students earning 334 Bachelor's degrees, 149 Master's degrees, 62 Associate's degrees, 11 Doctoral degrees, and 8 Certificates.
Black Hills State University offers 100 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2023, 476 students graduated with students earning 368 Bachelor's degrees, 60 Master's degrees, and 48 Associate's degrees.
Best Community Colleges in South Dakota
Mitchell Technical College offers 53 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a remote town. In 2023, 503 students graduated with students earning 352 Associate's degrees, and 151 Certificates.
Lake Area Technical College offers 54 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a remote town. In 2023, 854 students graduated with students earning 626 Associate's degrees, and 228 Certificates.
Southeast Technical College offers 71 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2023, 832 students graduated with students earning 542 Associate's degrees, and 290 Certificates.
Western Dakota Technical College offers 54 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 396 students graduated with students earning 239 Associate's degrees, and 157 Certificates.
Sisseton Wahpeton College offers 17 degree programs. It's a very small, public, four-year university in a remote rural area. In 2023, 35 students graduated with students earning 22 Associate's degrees, 10 Certificates, and 3 Bachelor's degrees.
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| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Augustana University Sioux Falls, SD | 13 : 1 | 2,158 | |
|
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD | 16 : 1 | 2,492 | |
|
Mount Marty University Yankton, SD | 31 : 1 | 1,314 | |
|
Mitchell Technical College Mitchell, SD | 16 : 1 | 1,132 | |
|
South Dakota State University Brookings, SD | 23 : 1 | 11,498 | |