Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024

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

Small colleges in South Dakota are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024

Sort by:
  1. Augustana University
  2. National American University
  3. Black Hills State University
  4. Dakota State University
  5. Northern State University
  6. University of Sioux Falls
  7. Dakota Wesleyan University
  8. Mount Marty University
  1. Black Hills State University
  2. National American University
  3. Dakota Wesleyan University
  4. University of Sioux Falls
  5. Northern State University
  6. Augustana University
  7. Dakota State University
  8. Mount Marty University
  1. Black Hills State University 97%
  2. Dakota State University 79%
  3. Northern State University 78%
  4. University of Sioux Falls 76%
  5. Dakota Wesleyan University 75%
  6. Mount Marty University 68%
  7. Augustana University 66%
  1. Black Hills State University 18 to 1
  2. Dakota State University 18 to 1
  3. University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
  4. Northern State University 16 to 1
  5. Mount Marty University 13 to 1
  6. Augustana University 12 to 1
  7. Dakota Wesleyan University 12 to 1
  8. 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
  6. Northern State University $7,616
  7. Black Hills State University $7,616
  8. Dakota State University $7,616
  1. Augustana University $36,952
  2. National American University $15,750
  3. Dakota Wesleyan University $15,300
  4. Mount Marty University $8,500
  5. Black Hills State University $7,998
  6. University of Sioux Falls $7,200
  7. Northern State University $5,999
  8. Dakota State University $5,999
  1. Mount Marty University
  2. Dakota Wesleyan University
  3. University of Sioux Falls
  4. Northern State University
  5. Dakota State University
  6. Black Hills State University
  7. National American University
  8. Augustana University
  1. Mount Marty University
  2. Dakota State University
  3. Augustana University
  4. Northern State University
  5. University of Sioux Falls
  6. Dakota Wesleyan University
  7. National American University
  8. Black Hills State University
  1. Augustana University 66%
  2. Mount Marty University 68%
  3. Dakota Wesleyan University 75%
  4. University of Sioux Falls 76%
  5. Northern State University 78%
  6. Dakota State University 79%
  7. Black Hills State University 97%
  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. Northern State University 16 to 1
  6. University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
  7. Black Hills State University 18 to 1
  8. Dakota State University 18 to 1
  1. Northern State University $7,616
  2. Black Hills State University $7,616
  3. Dakota State University $7,616
  4. National American University $16,065
  5. University of Sioux Falls $20,290
  6. Mount Marty University $31,500
  7. Dakota Wesleyan University $31,890
  8. Augustana University $37,342
  1. Northern State University $5,999
  2. Dakota State University $5,999
  3. University of Sioux Falls $7,200
  4. Black Hills State University $7,998
  5. Mount Marty University $8,500
  6. Dakota Wesleyan University $15,300
  7. National American University $15,750
  8. 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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

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

South Dakota's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

The following list of the best small colleges and universities in South Dakota is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 8 small colleges in South Dakota. The list below of the best small colleges in South Dakota. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

Back to Top

Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2023

  1. #1

    Augustana University

    Sioux Falls , SD
    #1 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #1 Best Private 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

    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 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:

    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

    Black Hills State University

    Spearfish , SD
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #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

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Dakota State University

    Madison , SD
    #4 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2025 #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
  5. #5

    Northern State University

    Aberdeen , SD
    #5 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #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

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Sioux Falls

    Sioux Falls , SD
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #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:

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Dakota Wesleyan University

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

    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
  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 Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #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
Back to Top

South Dakota’s Best Small College 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
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. 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

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Maryland and California.

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