Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2024
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in South Dakota offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota
- Augustana University
- National American University
- Black Hills State University
- Dakota State University
- Northern State University
- University of Sioux Falls
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- Mount Marty University
- Black Hills State University
- National American University
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- University of Sioux Falls
- Northern State University
- Augustana University
- Dakota State University
- Mount Marty University
- Black Hills State University 97%
- Dakota State University 79%
- Northern State University 78%
- University of Sioux Falls 76%
- Dakota Wesleyan University 75%
- Mount Marty University 68%
- Augustana University 66%
- Black Hills State University 18 to 1
- Dakota State University 18 to 1
- University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
- Northern State University 16 to 1
- Mount Marty University 13 to 1
- Dakota Wesleyan University 12 to 1
- Augustana University 12 to 1
- National American University 6 to 1
- Augustana University $37,342
- Dakota Wesleyan University $31,890
- Mount Marty University $31,500
- University of Sioux Falls $20,290
- National American University $16,065
- Black Hills State University $7,616
- Dakota State University $7,616
- Northern State University $7,616
- Augustana University $36,952
- National American University $15,750
- Dakota Wesleyan University $15,300
- Mount Marty University $8,500
- Black Hills State University $7,998
- University of Sioux Falls $7,200
- Dakota State University $5,999
- Northern State University $5,999
- Mount Marty University
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- University of Sioux Falls
- Northern State University
- Dakota State University
- Black Hills State University
- National American University
- Augustana University
- Mount Marty University
- Dakota State University
- Augustana University
- Northern State University
- University of Sioux Falls
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- National American University
- Black Hills State University
- Augustana University 66%
- Mount Marty University 68%
- Dakota Wesleyan University 75%
- University of Sioux Falls 76%
- Northern State University 78%
- Dakota State University 79%
- Black Hills State University 97%
- National American University 6 to 1
- Dakota Wesleyan University 12 to 1
- Augustana University 12 to 1
- Mount Marty University 13 to 1
- Northern State University 16 to 1
- University of Sioux Falls 17 to 1
- Black Hills State University 18 to 1
- Dakota State University 18 to 1
- Black Hills State University $7,616
- Dakota State University $7,616
- Northern State University $7,616
- National American University $16,065
- University of Sioux Falls $20,290
- Mount Marty University $31,500
- Dakota Wesleyan University $31,890
- Augustana University $37,342
- Dakota State University $5,999
- Northern State University $5,999
- University of Sioux Falls $7,200
- Black Hills State University $7,998
- Mount Marty University $8,500
- Dakota Wesleyan University $15,300
- National American University $15,750
- 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.
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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?
- 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
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 8 liberal arts colleges in South Dakota. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in South Dakota, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota 2023
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
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: $37,342Expenses: $16,048Starting Salary: $49,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Augustana University known for?
Augustana University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Biology
- Nursing
- Literature
- Physics
- History
- Education
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools 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:
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
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 Most Affordable 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: $8,916Expenses: $13,228Starting Salary: $40,500Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Black Hills State University known for?
Black Hills State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Education
- Communications
- Psychology
- Business
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Grad Schools in South Dakota 2024 #4 Best Small 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:
- #5 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #7 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2024
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: $8,845Expenses: $14,950Starting Salary: $37,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northern State University known for?
Northern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Education
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Biology
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #7 Most Affordable 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: $20,290Expenses: $13,040Starting Salary: $44,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Sioux Falls known for?
University of Sioux Falls’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #9 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2024
Other Rankings
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: $31,890Expenses: $10,800Starting Salary: $40,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dakota Wesleyan University known for?
Dakota Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in South Dakota 2024 #10 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
57%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Mount Marty University
Cost of Degree: $31,500Expenses: $14,532Starting Salary: $39,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mount Marty University known for?
Mount Marty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
South Dakota’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest
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.
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.