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 68 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 662 students graduated with students earning 413 Bachelor's degrees, and 249 Master's degrees.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers 57 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 531 students graduated with students earning 366 Bachelor's degrees, 117 Master's degrees, 26 Certificates, 21 Doctoral degrees, and 1 Associate's degree.
South Dakota State University offers 221 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2022, 2,538 students graduated with students earning 1,907 Bachelor's degrees, 340 Master's degrees, 157 Doctoral degrees, 105 Associate's degrees, and 29 Certificates.
Dakota Wesleyan University offers 72 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a remote town. In 2022, 225 students graduated with students earning 152 Bachelor's degrees, 37 Master's degrees, 35 Certificates, and 1 Associate's degree.
Mount Marty University offers 56 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a remote town. In 2022, 189 students graduated with students earning 112 Bachelor's degrees, 36 Doctoral degrees, 23 Master's degrees, 10 Certificates, and 8 Associate's degrees.
University of South Dakota offers 191 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 1,984 students graduated with students earning 1,177 Bachelor's degrees, 493 Master's degrees, 255 Doctoral degrees, 34 Certificates, and 25 Associate's degrees.
Northern State University offers 108 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2022, 350 students graduated with students earning 260 Bachelor's degrees, 64 Master's degrees, and 26 Associate's degrees.
Dakota State University offers 100 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 505 students graduated with students earning 330 Bachelor's degrees, 97 Master's degrees, 54 Associate's degrees, 13 Doctoral degrees, and 11 Certificates.
University of Sioux Falls offers 62 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 491 students graduated with students earning 340 Bachelor's degrees, 143 Master's degrees, and 8 Associate's degrees.
Black Hills State University offers 99 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 505 students graduated with students earning 393 Bachelor's degrees, 68 Master's degrees, and 44 Associate's degrees.
Best Community Colleges in South Dakota
Mitchell Technical College offers 54 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2022, 442 students graduated with students earning 302 Associate's degrees, and 140 Certificates.
Lake Area Technical College offers 55 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a remote town. In 2022, 720 students graduated with students earning 503 Associate's degrees, and 217 Certificates.
Western Dakota Technical College offers 56 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2022, 339 students graduated with students earning 197 Associate's degrees, and 142 Certificates.
Southeast Technical College offers 73 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a outlying rural area. In 2022, 751 students graduated with students earning 493 Associate's degrees, and 258 Certificates.
Sisseton Wahpeton College offers 14 degree programs. It's a very small, public, four-year university in a remote rural area. In 2022, 18 students graduated with students earning 12 Associate's degrees, and 6 Certificates.
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| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Augustana University Sioux Falls, SD | 15 : 1 | 2,086 | |
|
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD | 16 : 1 | 2,492 | |
|
South Dakota State University Brookings, SD | 24 : 1 | 11,327 | |
|
Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, SD | 19 : 1 | 887 | |
|
Mount Marty University Yankton, SD | 28 : 1 | 1,252 | |