Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2025

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

Best Grad Schools in South Dakota

Sort by:
  1. University of South Dakota
  2. South Dakota State University
  3. National American University
  4. Dakota State University
  1. University of South Dakota
  2. South Dakota State University
  3. National American University
  4. Dakota State University
  1. University of South Dakota 99%
  2. South Dakota State University 86%
  3. Dakota State University 79%
  1. South Dakota State University 18 to 1
  2. Dakota State University 18 to 1
  3. University of South Dakota 14 to 1
  4. National American University 6 to 1
  1. National American University $16,065
  2. University of South Dakota $7,773
  3. South Dakota State University $7,773
  4. Dakota State University $7,616
  1. National American University $15,750
  2. South Dakota State University $8,164
  3. University of South Dakota $6,123
  4. Dakota State University $5,999
  1. Dakota State University
  2. National American University
  3. South Dakota State University
  4. University of South Dakota
  1. Dakota State University
  2. National American University
  3. South Dakota State University
  4. University of South Dakota
  1. Dakota State University 79%
  2. South Dakota State University 86%
  3. University of South Dakota 99%
  1. National American University 6 to 1
  2. University of South Dakota 14 to 1
  3. South Dakota State University 18 to 1
  4. Dakota State University 18 to 1
  1. Dakota State University $7,616
  2. University of South Dakota $7,773
  3. South Dakota State University $7,773
  4. National American University $16,065
  1. Dakota State University $5,999
  2. University of South Dakota $6,123
  3. South Dakota State University $8,164
  4. National American University $15,750

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 2024 #1 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of South Dakota

    Cost of Degree: $9,432
    Expenses: $15,207
    Starting Salary: $49,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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 2024 #2 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1132/22

    Career Outlook for degree at South Dakota State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,299
    Expenses: $15,445
    Starting Salary: $50,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at National American University

    Cost of Degree: $16,065
    Starting Salary: $39,500
    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
    #4 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Dakota State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,633
    Expenses: $16,476
    Starting Salary: $43,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
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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.

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