Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2026

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in South Dakota. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2026

  1. University of South Dakota
  2. South Dakota State University
  3. Black Hills State University
    +1
  4. National American University
    –1
  5. University of Sioux Falls
    +2
  6. Northern State University
  7. Dakota State University
    –2

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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

There are 7 colleges and universities in South Dakota with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in South Dakota is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Back to Top

Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of South Dakota

    Vermillion , SD
    #1 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2026 #1 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2026 #1 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    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 Grad Schools in South Dakota 2026 #2 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2026 #2 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    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

    Black Hills State University

    Spearfish , SD
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #1 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #3 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    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

    National American University

    Rapid City , SD
    #1 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2026

    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
  6. #5

    University of Sioux Falls

    Sioux Falls , SD
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2026

    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
  7. #6

    Northern State University

    Aberdeen , SD
    #5 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #8 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2026

    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
  8. #7

    Dakota State University

    Madison , SD
    #4 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2026

    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
Back to Top

South Dakota’s Most Affordable 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
2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Northern State University
  2. Black Hills State University
  3. South Dakota State University
  4. University of South Dakota
  5. Dakota State University
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here