Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2026

Badge for BEST IN SOUTH DAKOTA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in South Dakota in 2026

  1. University of South Dakota
  2. South Dakota State University
  3. National American University
  4. Dakota State University

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

There are no changes to our 2025 ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in South Dakota.

There are 4 doctorate-granting graduate schools in South Dakota. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the South Dakota is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in South Dakota

  1. #1

    University of South Dakota

    Vermillion , SD
    #1 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2026 #1 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of South Dakota

    Cost of Degree: $9,432
    Expenses: $15,207
    Starting Salary: $58,316
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of South Dakota known for?

    University of South Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    South Dakota State University

    Brookings , SD
    #2 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2026 #2 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/22

    Career Outlook for degree at South Dakota State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,299
    Expenses: $15,445
    Starting Salary: $58,802
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is South Dakota State University known for?

    South Dakota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    National American University

    Rapid City , SD
    #1 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #4 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at National American University

    Cost of Degree: $16,065
    Starting Salary: $38,663
    What is National American University known for?

    National American University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Dakota State University

    Madison , SD
    #5 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Dakota State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,633
    Expenses: $16,476
    Starting Salary: $53,378
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dakota State University known for?

    Dakota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
Back to Top

South Dakota’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here