Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2024
For prospective college students looking for schools that align with their Christian faith and demonstrate academic excellence, here are the best Christian colleges and universities in South Dakota.
Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota
- University of Sioux Falls 76%
- Dakota Wesleyan University 75%
- Mount Marty University 68%
- Augustana University 66%
- University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
- Mount Marty University 13 to 1
- Augustana University 12 to 1
- Dakota Wesleyan University 12 to 1
- Augustana University $37,342
- Dakota Wesleyan University $31,890
- Mount Marty University $31,500
- University of Sioux Falls $20,290
- Augustana University $36,952
- Dakota Wesleyan University $15,300
- Mount Marty University $8,500
- University of Sioux Falls $7,200
- Augustana University 66%
- Mount Marty University 68%
- Dakota Wesleyan University 75%
- University of Sioux Falls 76%
- Augustana University 12 to 1
- Dakota Wesleyan University 12 to 1
- Mount Marty University 13 to 1
- University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
- University of Sioux Falls $20,290
- Mount Marty University $31,500
- Dakota Wesleyan University $31,890
- Augustana University $37,342
- University of Sioux Falls $7,200
- Mount Marty University $8,500
- Dakota Wesleyan University $15,300
- Augustana University $36,952
Colleges and Universities in South Dakota
Almost 20 higher education institutions award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the state, and only two schools exceed 5,000 in student population. The average college tuition in the state is $8,450, which is under the national average. Of the 11 public institutions, South Dakota State University is the largest with just over 10,000 students, and it has a tuition of $9,000.
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With a comparable tuition, the University of South Dakota is the second largest and located in Vermillion. Students can earn degrees in areas such as earth science, physics, and engineering. Eight private schools offer degrees ranging in tuition from $3,000 to $33,000. Many of these universities are religiously affiliated, Augustana University being the largest and most expensive. This Lutheran university is located in Sioux Falls and offers programs in economics, psychology, and biology. The most affordable colleges, Oglala Lakota College and Sinte Gleska University, are both tribal institutions charging $3,000 in fees.
Two monuments are carved into the rock of the Black Hills: Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. In addition to its majestic mountains, South Dakota’s lands are some of the richest in fossils. Badlands National Park is home to unique rock formations as well as the fossils of saber-toothed cats, three-toed horses, and ancient marine animals. With vast plains and unique mountains, South Dakota offers a stunning setting for students looking to earn their degree in The Mount Rushmore State.
Find out more about the top programs and higher education opportunities available in South Dakota.
What are South Dakota’s Colleges & Universities?
- 2 Research Universities
- 8 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 4 Graduate Schools
- 5 Public Colleges & Universities
- 5 Private Colleges & Universities
- 4 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 8 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 6 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 6 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
South Dakota’s Best Overall
The following list of the best Christian schools consists entirely of colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 4 Christian colleges in South Dakota. In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.
Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2023
- #1 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
76%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1217/24
Career Outlook for degree at Augustana University
Cost of Degree: $39,190Expenses: $16,950Starting Salary: $49,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Augustana University known for?
Augustana University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Biology
- Nursing
- Literature
- Physics
- History
- Education
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #7 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
59%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Sioux Falls
Cost of Degree: $20,740Expenses: $14,305Starting Salary: $44,800Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Sioux Falls known for?
University of Sioux Falls’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
53%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/21
Career Outlook for degree at Dakota Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $32,890Expenses: $10,950Starting Salary: $40,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dakota Wesleyan University known for?
Dakota Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #10 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
57%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Mount Marty University
Cost of Degree: $33,100Expenses: $15,562Starting Salary: $39,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mount Marty University known for?
Mount Marty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
South Dakota’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.