Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2025

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

    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

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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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