Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
By Dr. 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 2024

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  1. University of South Dakota
  2. South Dakota State University
  3. National American University
  4. Black Hills State University
  5. Dakota State University
  6. Northern State University
  7. University of Sioux Falls
  1. University of South Dakota
  2. South Dakota State University
  3. Black Hills State University
  4. National American University
  5. University of Sioux Falls
  6. Northern State University
  7. Dakota State University
  1. University of South Dakota 99%
  2. Black Hills State University 97%
  3. South Dakota State University 86%
  4. Dakota State University 79%
  5. Northern State University 78%
  6. University of Sioux Falls 76%
  1. South Dakota State University 18 to 1
  2. Black Hills State University 18 to 1
  3. Dakota State University 18 to 1
  4. University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
  5. Northern State University 16 to 1
  6. University of South Dakota 14 to 1
  7. National American University 6 to 1
  1. University of Sioux Falls $20,290
  2. National American University $16,065
  3. University of South Dakota $7,773
  4. South Dakota State University $7,773
  5. Northern State University $7,616
  6. Black Hills State University $7,616
  7. Dakota State University $7,616
  1. National American University $15,750
  2. South Dakota State University $8,164
  3. Black Hills State University $7,998
  4. University of Sioux Falls $7,200
  5. University of South Dakota $6,123
  6. Northern State University $5,999
  7. Dakota State University $5,999
  1. University of Sioux Falls
  2. Northern State University
  3. Dakota State University
  4. Black Hills State University
  5. National American University
  6. South Dakota State University
  7. University of South Dakota
  1. Dakota State University
  2. Northern State University
  3. University of Sioux Falls
  4. National American University
  5. Black Hills State University
  6. South Dakota State University
  7. University of South Dakota
  1. University of Sioux Falls 76%
  2. Northern State University 78%
  3. Dakota State University 79%
  4. South Dakota State University 86%
  5. Black Hills State University 97%
  6. University of South Dakota 99%
  1. National American University 6 to 1
  2. University of South Dakota 14 to 1
  3. Northern State University 16 to 1
  4. University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
  5. South Dakota State University 18 to 1
  6. Black Hills State University 18 to 1
  7. 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. University of South Dakota $7,773
  5. South Dakota State University $7,773
  6. National American University $16,065
  7. University of Sioux Falls $20,290
  1. Northern State University $5,999
  2. Dakota State University $5,999
  3. University of South Dakota $6,123
  4. University of Sioux Falls $7,200
  5. Black Hills State University $7,998
  6. South Dakota State University $8,164
  7. National American University $15,750

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 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 2025 #1 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $14,371
    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
  3. #3

    National American University

    Rapid City , SD
    #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2025
    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
  4. #4

    Black Hills State University

    Spearfish , SD
    #1 Best Liberal Arts 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 Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $13,228
    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
  7. #6

    Northern State University

    Aberdeen , SD
    #5 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #8 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $14,950
    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

    University of Sioux Falls

    Sioux Falls , SD
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Sioux Falls

    Cost of Degree: $20,290
    Expenses: $13,040
    Starting Salary: $44,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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:

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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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