Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024

Badge for BEST IN SOUTH DAKOTA PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in South Dakota.

Best Private Colleges in South Dakota

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  1. Augustana University
  2. National American University
  3. University of Sioux Falls
  4. Dakota Wesleyan University
  5. Mount Marty University
  1. National American University
  2. Dakota Wesleyan University
  3. University of Sioux Falls
  4. Augustana University
  5. Mount Marty University
  1. University of Sioux Falls 76%
  2. Dakota Wesleyan University 75%
  3. Mount Marty University 68%
  4. Augustana University 66%
  1. University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
  2. Mount Marty University 13 to 1
  3. Augustana University 12 to 1
  4. Dakota Wesleyan University 12 to 1
  5. National American University 6 to 1
  1. Augustana University $37,342
  2. Dakota Wesleyan University $31,890
  3. Mount Marty University $31,500
  4. University of Sioux Falls $20,290
  5. National American University $16,065
  1. Augustana University $36,952
  2. National American University $15,750
  3. Dakota Wesleyan University $15,300
  4. Mount Marty University $8,500
  5. University of Sioux Falls $7,200
  1. Mount Marty University
  2. Dakota Wesleyan University
  3. University of Sioux Falls
  4. National American University
  5. Augustana University
  1. Mount Marty University
  2. Augustana University
  3. University of Sioux Falls
  4. Dakota Wesleyan University
  5. National American University
  1. Augustana University 66%
  2. Mount Marty University 68%
  3. Dakota Wesleyan University 75%
  4. University of Sioux Falls 76%
  1. National American University 6 to 1
  2. Augustana University 12 to 1
  3. Dakota Wesleyan University 12 to 1
  4. Mount Marty University 13 to 1
  5. University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
  1. National American University $16,065
  2. University of Sioux Falls $20,290
  3. Mount Marty University $31,500
  4. Dakota Wesleyan University $31,890
  5. Augustana University $37,342
  1. University of Sioux Falls $7,200
  2. Mount Marty University $8,500
  3. Dakota Wesleyan University $15,300
  4. National American University $15,750
  5. 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?

South Dakota’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

South Dakota's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 5 private universities in South Dakota. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in South Dakota, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in South Dakota

  1. #1

    Augustana University

    Sioux Falls , SD
    #1 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    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: $39,190
    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

    Compare school
  2. #2

    National American University

    Rapid City , SD
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024
    Other Rankings

    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:

    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
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Sioux Falls

    Sioux Falls , SD
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #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: $20,740
    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:

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Mitchell , SD
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #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: $32,890
    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

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Mount Marty University

    Yankton , SD
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #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

    Compare school
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South Dakota’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

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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.

  1. Augustana University
  2. Dakota Wesleyan University
  3. University of Sioux Falls
  4. Mount Marty University

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

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