Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2024
Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in South Dakota offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Best Grad Schools in South Dakota
- University of South Dakota
- South Dakota State University
- National American University
- Dakota State University
- University of South Dakota
- South Dakota State University
- National American University
- Dakota State University
- South Dakota State University 18 to 1
- Dakota State University 18 to 1
- University of South Dakota 14 to 1
- National American University 6 to 1
- National American University $16,065
- University of South Dakota $7,773
- South Dakota State University $7,773
- Dakota State University $7,616
- National American University $15,750
- South Dakota State University $8,164
- University of South Dakota $6,123
- Dakota State University $5,999
- Dakota State University
- National American University
- South Dakota State University
- University of South Dakota
- Dakota State University
- National American University
- South Dakota State University
- University of South Dakota
- National American University 6 to 1
- University of South Dakota 14 to 1
- South Dakota State University 18 to 1
- Dakota State University 18 to 1
- Dakota State University $7,616
- University of South Dakota $7,773
- South Dakota State University $7,773
- National American University $16,065
- Dakota State University $5,999
- University of South Dakota $6,123
- South Dakota State University $8,164
- 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.
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?
- 2 Research Universities
- 8 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 4 Graduate Schools
- 5 Public Colleges & Universities
- 5 Private Colleges & Universities
- 4 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 8 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 6 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 6 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
South Dakota’s Best Overall
There are 4 doctorate-granting graduate schools in South Dakota. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the South Dakota is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2023
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in South Dakota
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in South Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in South Dakota 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Wyoming 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Wyoming
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
- #9 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
- #10 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
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: $9,432Expenses: $14,371Starting Salary: $49,500Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of South Dakota known for?
University of South Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in South Dakota 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Dakota 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in South Dakota 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in South Dakota 2024
- #7 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
- #13 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
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: $9,299Expenses: $13,635Starting Salary: $50,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is South Dakota State University known for?
South Dakota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in South Dakota 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in South Dakota
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in South Dakota 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's Programs in South Dakota 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$16K
Graduation
33%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at National American University
Cost of Degree: $16,065Starting Salary: $39,500What is National American University known for?
National American University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #4 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in South Dakota
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in South Dakota
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Dakota 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in South Dakota 2024
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in South Dakota 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wyoming
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
- #15 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
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: $9,633Expenses: $15,104Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dakota State University known for?
Dakota State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
South Dakota’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.