Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025

Badge for BEST IN SOUTH DAKOTA LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • The best liberal arts colleges in South Dakota offer a great education that will result in a well-rounded, educated person.
  • South Dakota’s liberal arts colleges offer smaller class sizes and more opportunities for interaction with professors.
  • The smaller, intimate environment present in top liberal arts colleges in South Dakota help graduates to mature and gain career skills that can qualify them for leadership positions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota in 2025

  1. Black Hills State University
  2. National American University
  3. Augustana University
    +3
  4. Dakota Wesleyan University
    –1
  5. University of Sioux Falls
    –1
  6. Northern State University
    –1
  7. Dakota State University
  8. Mount Marty 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 lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best grad schools in South Carolina remained fairly stable. Augustana University gained the most ranking position as the university is implementing several enhancements for the 2025 academic year to enrich the student experience. The university is undertaking a $2.7 million update of Sorensen Hall, one of the most visible buildings on campus, which will include new windows, renovated entrances, and exterior improvements.

Additionally, Augustana is beginning more renovations to its Morrison Commons, with construction on phase II of the approximately $5 million project expected to be complete when students return in the fall. These developments underscore the university’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art resources and a supportive environment for its students.

Colleges and Universities in South Dakota

While there are eight liberal arts colleges in South Dakota, prospective students have excellent options for liberal arts schools.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Find out more about the top liberal arts programs and higher education opportunities available in South Dakota.


What are South Dakota’s Colleges & Universities?

South Dakota’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 8 liberal arts colleges in South Dakota. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in South Dakota, schools must fully accredited institutions.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota

  1. #1

    Black Hills State University

    Spearfish , SD
    #3 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1027/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Black Hills State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,916
    Expenses: $13,100
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Black Hills State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Offering over 60 degree programs, Black Hills State University supports its students by offering modern facilities, research opportunities, and hands-on learning projects. The university maintains a tight-knit student community through active campus organizations and sports teams.

    What we love about Black Hills State University:

    Incoming Freshmen may take up dual credit courses to help them jumpstart their degrees, allowing them to save on tuition and graduate early.

    Black Hills State University is ideal for students who:

    Plan on pursuing managerial roles through a Leadership Degree.

    Black Hills State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Avoid seeking help in planning their careers after degree completion.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    National American University

    Rapid City , SD
    #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2025 #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:

    Having transitioned into a fully online institution, National American University maintains liberal arts educational training at its core through student engagement and collaboration. Its flexible e-learning format is coupled with supportive instructors and reliable online resources.

    What we love about National American University:

    Through the school’s UpSkill Academy, adult learners can advance their careers by taking up self-paced certificate programs in areas like programming, writing, and accounting.

    National American University is ideal for students who:

    Are working and would like to enjoy tuition reimbursements from their employer.

    National American University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to attend classes and meet professors in person physically.

    National American University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 180.5
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  3. #3

    Augustana University

    Sioux Falls , SD
    #1 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    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: $39,190
    Expenses: $16,950
    Starting Salary: $49,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Augustana University known for?

    Augustana University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cultivating change-makers, Augustana University’s programs are centered on problem-solving, integrity, and innovation. With more than 100 degrees to choose from, students receive top-notch instruction from professors while enjoying various campus activities.

    What we love about Augustana University:

    With partner institutions from Norway, Germany, and Costa Rica, students may spend a year or summer term abroad in Sister School Programs that allow them to immerse in a new culture.

    Augustana University is ideal for students who:

    Are interested in studying Neuroscience topics through Anatomage Virtual Cadavers.

    Augustana University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Don’t care about having in-campus health and counseling services.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Mitchell , SD
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024

    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: $32,890
    Expenses: $10,950
    Starting Salary: $40,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dakota Wesleyan University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Fostering an inclusive learning environment, Dakota Wesleyan University provides various opportunities for students to grow and have a meaningful college journey. Students enjoy modern classrooms and facilities, incorporating the use of gadgets and new technological tools.

    What we love about Dakota Wesleyan University:

    The university has a holistic approach to providing student services, helping students in terms of health and mental wellness while strengthening their faith through ministry.

    Dakota Wesleyan University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for comfortable in-campus housing rooms and extensive recreational facilities.

    Dakota Wesleyan University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Aren’t interested in joining campus sports teams.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Sioux Falls

    Sioux Falls , SD
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #7 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Sioux Falls

    Cost of Degree: $20,740
    Expenses: $14,305
    Starting Salary: $44,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Sioux Falls known for?

    University of Sioux Falls’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Students at the University of Sioux Falls may choose from over 100 degree program options, spanning from undergraduate to professional certificates and MBAs. With a liberal arts approach, curriculums are centered on excellence, communication, and Christian virtues.

    What we love about the University of Sioux Falls:

    The university’s Doctorate in Leadership degree provides multi-disciplinary training that prepares professionals from various industries, covering important areas like strategic planning and international relations.

    The University of Sioux Falls is ideal for students who:

    Plan on taking up an accelerated Nursing degree program.

    The University of Sioux Falls might not be the best fit for students who:

    Aren’t willing to participate in community service activities.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Northern State University

    Aberdeen , SD
    #5 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #8 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    975/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,845
    Expenses: $14,500
    Starting Salary: $37,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northern State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Maintaining an excellent reputation in the academic field, students at Northern State University are given personalized attention in academic training and plotting their academic pathways. On top of affordable tuition rates, students are also given financial guidance and funding options.

    What we love about Northern State University:

    With an emphasis on experiential learning, students may pursue internships in partner organizations, join inter-school competitions, and conduct research projects in their respective fields.

    Northern State University is ideal for students who:

    Would like to take an Online General Studies Degree.

    Northern State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Avoid attending Internship Fairs and Career Talks.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Dakota State University

    Madison , SD
    #4 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024

    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:

    Dakota State University boasts an almost 100% placement for its graduates, proving how effective its liberal arts training is. With a great drive for innovation, students are equipped with the knowledge and skill set that will help them succeed in various rapidly changing industries.

    What we love about Dakota State University:

    The university provides in-campus accommodations that will make students feel safe and at home, offering 24/7 security, free wireless internet, and various recreational centers.

    Dakota State University is ideal for students who:

    Are interested in AI and Cyber Operations.

    Dakota State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer not to integrate technology and use gadgets for classroom learning.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Mount Marty University

    Yankton , SD
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #8 Best Small 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: $33,100
    Expenses: $15,562
    Starting Salary: $39,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mount Marty University known for?

    Mount Marty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Mount Marty University’s degree programs are anchored on liberal arts training and strong Catholic values, creating excellent and compassionate graduates. Students are also given growth opportunities outside the classroom, including club involvement, sports, and community extension.

    What we love about Mount Marty University:

    Through the Benedictine Leadership Institute, students get to learn more about faith-based principles and reflect through an excursion in areas like the Grand Canyon.

    Mount Marty University is ideal for students who:

    Plan on joining the Honors Program to maximize their learning potential.

    Mount Marty University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer not to strengthen their faith and skip spiritual activities.

    Compare school
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South Dakota’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in 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
2023 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.

  1. Northern State University
  2. Augustana University
  3. Black Hills State University
  4. Dakota Wesleyan University
  5. University of Sioux Falls
  6. Dakota State University
  7. Mount Marty University

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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