Guide to South Dakota Colleges & Universities
Are you in South Dakota searching for the right college or university? Start your search here.
Browse through the list of South Dakota cities and towns below to view schools in your specific area. Or, see a list of South Dakota colleges and universities sorted by private 4-year schools, public 4-year schools, and 2-year community colleges.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide provides detailed information about colleges and universities, including student type, program completion and online availability. Click here to learn more about the guide.
South Dakota's Colleges by the Numbers
Associate, bachelor's, masters, and doctoral degree completions at institutions in South Dakota have been declining over the past 5 years. In 2022, students completed 10,750 that were offered by South Dakota's colleges and universities. That was a decrease of 0% from completions reported in 2018.
Schools with Degree Completions
Est. Total Completions in 2022
Est. Completions (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Top School For Adults & Online Students
Franklin University is a top choice for transfer students, online learners and adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,444
Completions By Degree
1,820
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Private Colleges & Universities Offering Degrees in South Dakota
There are at least 9 schools offering degrees in South Dakota, and 9 are four-year private colleges or universities where about 10,289 undergraduate students were enrolled. In 2022, a total of 4,169 degrees were completed at private colleges and universities, including 2,805 that were offered online.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Franklin offers more than 50 online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral programs in in South Dakota. Franklin University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Franklin University. In 2022, 1,011 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 94 associate degrees, 676 master's degrees, and 39 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,444
Completions By Degree
1,820
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
National American University-Rapid City is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at National American University-Rapid City. In 2022, 153 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 54 associate degrees, 80 master's degrees, and 8 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
937
Completions By Degree
295
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Mount Marty University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Mount Marty University. In 2022, 118 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 11 associate degrees, 23 master's degrees, and 36 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
666
Completions By Degree
188
Est. Online Degree Availability
7%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Dakota Wesleyan University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Dakota Wesleyan University. In 2022, 157 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 1 associate degree, 37 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
654
Completions By Degree
195
Est. Online Degree Availability
13%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Kairos University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and all programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Kairos University. In 2022, 91 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 2 bachelor's degrees, and 8 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
36
Completions By Degree
101
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of Sioux Falls is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of Sioux Falls. In 2022, 434 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 8 associate degrees, 144 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,306
Completions By Degree
586
Est. Online Degree Availability
43%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
National American University-Ellsworth is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at National American University-Ellsworth. In 2022, 11 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 2 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
41
Completions By Degree
13
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Presentation College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Presentation College. In 2022, 128 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 14 associate degrees, 11 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
547
Completions By Degree
153
Est. Online Degree Availability
58%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Augustana University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Augustana University. In 2022, 569 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 249 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,658
Completions By Degree
818
Est. Online Degree Availability
24%
Completions by Program Area
Public Colleges & Universities in South Dakota
There are 7 four-year public colleges located in South Dakota. About 21,939 students were enrolled in undergraduate programs, and about 6,704 degrees were completed at public colleges in South Dakota. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Northern State University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Northern State University. In 2022, 290 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 26 associate degrees, 64 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,344
Completions By Degree
380
Est. Online Degree Availability
38%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Sinte Gleska University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and no programs completed were offered online. Associate degrees are the most popular at Sinte Gleska University. In 2022, 40 associate degrees were completed. In addition, 28 bachelor's degrees, 17 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
688
Completions By Degree
85
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Black Hills State University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Black Hills State University. In 2022, 395 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 44 associate degrees, 68 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,042
Completions By Degree
507
Est. Online Degree Availability
27%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
South Dakota State University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at South Dakota State University. In 2022, 2,023 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 105 associate degrees, 341 master's degrees, and 157 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
8,651
Completions By Degree
2,626
Est. Online Degree Availability
35%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. In 2022, 379 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 1 associate degree, 117 master's degrees, and 21 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,976
Completions By Degree
518
Est. Online Degree Availability
5%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of South Dakota is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of South Dakota. In 2022, 1,293 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 25 associate degrees, 495 master's degrees, and 256 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,328
Completions By Degree
2,069
Est. Online Degree Availability
34%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Dakota State University is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Dakota State University. In 2022, 353 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 56 associate degrees, 97 master's degrees, and 13 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,910
Completions By Degree
519
Est. Online Degree Availability
88%
Completions by Program Area
Community Colleges in South Dakota
There are 6 community colleges in South Dakota where students can earn 2-year associate degrees. In 2022, about 7,174 students were enrolled in undergraduate courses at community colleges in South Dakota, and about 1,697 associate degrees were completed.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Oglala Lakota College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,353
Completions By Degree
149
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Southeast Technical College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,075
Completions By Degree
522
Est. Online Degree Availability
27%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Lake Area Technical College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,803
Completions By Degree
514
Est. Online Degree Availability
18%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Sisseton Wahpeton College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
131
Completions By Degree
12
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Mitchell Technical College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
986
Completions By Degree
303
Est. Online Degree Availability
8%
Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Western Dakota Technical College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
826
Completions By Degree
197
Est. Online Degree Availability
16%
Completions by Program Area
Affordable Colleges in South Dakota
Wondering what you can expect to pay for a degree in South Dakota? According to undergraduate tuition data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average tuition at South Dakota's 4-year nonprofit schools is $22,423. The average tuition at similar 4-year for-profit schools in South Dakota is $11,370, while tuition at 2-year online colleges and universities is N/A.
4-Year Nonprofit
4-Year For-Profit
2-Year
Accredited Colleges Serving South Dakota
Earning a college degree is an investment — and earning a degree from an institutionally accredited university is one of the best ways to ensure your education is of high quality. Institutionally accredited universities are held to rigorous standards by state and regional bodies and undergo regular reviews to verify that their processes and academic programs meet the proper standards.
Wondering if a certain college or university offering degree programs in South Dakota is institutionally accredited? View a list of institutionally accredited colleges and universities serving South Dakota here. We've made it easy to find your school by breaking down the list by school type.
- Franklin University
- Augustana University
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- Mount Marty University
- Kairos University
- Presentation College
- University of Sioux Falls
- Oglala Lakota College
- Southeast Technical College
- Lake Area Technical College
- Sisseton Wahpeton College
- Mitchell Technical College
- Western Dakota Technical College
- National American University-Rapid City
- National American University-Ellsworth
South Dakota Job Market & Opportunities
What happens after you earn your college degree in South Dakota? What's the South Dakota job market outlook? Get a snapshot of jobs and careers, including annual job openings, median earnings and more.
In 2022, there were about 641,709 jobs in South Dakota. From 2021-2022, job growth in South Dakota was below the national average, at 3%. There were 87,095 job openings in the state. In terms of earnings, workers in South Dakota do worse than the national average, with an average hourly pay of $19.35.