Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2023

Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2023
By James Barham
Published:
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 2022

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  1. University of South Dakota
    2. 44%
  2. South Dakota State University
    3. 37%
  3. Black Hills State University
    4. 24%
  4. National American University
    5. 23%
  5. University of Sioux Falls
    6. 22%
  6. Northern State University
    7. 21%
  7. Dakota State University
    8. 20%
  1. Black Hills State University
    2. 97%
  2. South Dakota State University
    3. 87%
  3. University of South Dakota
    4. 87%
  4. Dakota State University
    5. 86%
  5. Northern State University
    6. 80%
  6. University of Sioux Falls
    7. 77%
  1. Dakota State University
    2. 18 to 1
  2. Northern State University
    3. 18 to 1
  3. University of Sioux Falls
    4. 17 to 1
  4. South Dakota State University
    5. 17 to 1
  5. Black Hills State University
    6. 16 to 1
  6. University of South Dakota
    7. 15 to 1
  7. National American University
    8. 7 to 1
  1. University of Sioux Falls
    2. $19,900
  2. National American University
    3. $15,660
  3. University of South Dakota
    4. $7,773
  4. South Dakota State University
    5. $7,773
  5. Black Hills State University
    6. $7,616
  6. Dakota State University
    7. $7,616
  7. Northern State University
    8. $7,616
  1. National American University
    2. $15,000
  2. South Dakota State University
    3. $8,164
  3. Black Hills State University
    4. $7,998
  4. University of Sioux Falls
    5. $7,110
  5. University of South Dakota
    6. $6,123
  6. Dakota State University
    7. $5,999
  7. Northern State University
    8. $5,999
  1. Dakota State University
    2. 20%
  2. Northern State University
    3. 21%
  3. University of Sioux Falls
    4. 22%
  4. National American University
    5. 23%
  5. Black Hills State University
    6. 24%
  6. South Dakota State University
    7. 37%
  7. University of South Dakota
    8. 44%
  1. University of Sioux Falls
    2. 77%
  2. Northern State University
    3. 80%
  3. Dakota State University
    4. 86%
  4. University of South Dakota
    5. 87%
  5. South Dakota State University
    6. 87%
  6. Black Hills State University
    7. 97%
  1. National American University
    2. 7 to 1
  2. University of South Dakota
    3. 15 to 1
  3. Black Hills State University
    4. 16 to 1
  4. University of Sioux Falls
    5. 17 to 1
  5. South Dakota State University
    6. 17 to 1
  6. Dakota State University
    7. 18 to 1
  7. Northern State University
    8. 18 to 1
  1. Black Hills State University
    2. $7,616
  2. Dakota State University
    3. $7,616
  3. Northern State University
    4. $7,616
  4. University of South Dakota
    5. $7,773
  5. South Dakota State University
    6. $7,773
  6. National American University
    7. $15,660
  7. University of Sioux Falls
    8. $19,900
  1. Dakota State University
    2. $5,999
  2. Northern State University
    3. $5,999
  3. University of South Dakota
    4. $6,123
  4. University of Sioux Falls
    5. $7,110
  5. Black Hills State University
    6. $7,998
  6. South Dakota State University
    7. $8,164
  7. National American University
    8. $15,000

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

South Dakota's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2022

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

  3. #3

    National American University

    Rapid City , SD
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2023 #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Graduation

    11%

    Student body

    1K

    What is National American University known for?

    National American University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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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South Dakota’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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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
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