Colleges Near Pierre, South Dakota
Looking for information about the best colleges and universities serving Pierre? Here's your guide to the top schools offering degrees to students in the area, including institutions located within 80 miles of Pierre, South Dakota.
There are at least 3 colleges serving the area, including 1 private college or university, 2 public colleges and universities, and 0 community colleges offering 2-year degrees.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide provides a breakdown of the colleges serving Pierre, with details about cost, enrollment, student type and degree offerings. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Pierre, South Dakota Colleges by the Numbers
Associate, bachelor's, masters, and doctoral degree completions at institutions near Pierre, South Dakota have been declining
over the past 5 years. In 2024, students completed 162 doctorates at colleges and universities near Pierre. That was a decrease of
4% from completions reported in 2020.
Schools with Degree Completions
Est. Total Completions in 2024
Est. Completions (Last 5 Years)
2020:168
2021:12
2022:170
2023:210
2024:162
Estimate derived from 2024 Lightcast™ completion data.
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
5,111
Part Time: 3,181
Full Time: 1,930
Source: College Scorecard 2025
Completions By Degree
2,605
Associate: 98
Bachelor's: 1,602
Master's: 840
Doctoral: 65
Source: Lightcast™ 2024
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Source: Lightcast™ 2024 (Online vs. Total Completions)
Private Colleges & Universities Offering Degrees Near Pierre, South Dakota
There are at least 1 school offering degrees near Pierre, South Dakota, and 1
is a four-year private college or university
where about 5,111 undergraduate students were enrolled.
In 2024, a total of 2,605 degrees were completed at
private colleges and universities, including 2,605 that were offered online.
Source Details
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$9,577
Accredited
Yes
Franklin offers more than 50 online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral
programs in the Pierre, South Dakota area.
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 2024, 1,602 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition,
98 associate degrees, 840 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,111
Part Time: 3,181
Full Time: 1,930
Source: College Scorecard 2025
Completions By Degree
2,605
Associate: 98
Bachelor's: 1,602
Master's: 840
Doctoral: 65
Source: Lightcast™ 2024
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Source: Lightcast™ 2024 (Online vs. Total Completions)
Public Colleges & Universities Near Pierre, South Dakota
There are 2
four-year public colleges located near Pierre, South Dakota. About 1,158 students
were enrolled in undergraduate programs, and about 162 degrees were completed at public colleges near Pierre.
Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Source Details
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$4,714
Accredited
Yes
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 2024, 36 associate degrees were completed. In addition,
33 bachelor's degrees, 12 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
579
Part Time: 350
Full Time: 229
Source: College Scorecard 2025
Completions By Degree
81
Associate: 36
Bachelor's: 33
Master's: 12
Doctoral: 0
Source: Lightcast™ 2024
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Source: Lightcast™ 2024 (Online vs. Total Completions)
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$4,714
Accredited
Yes
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 2024, 36 associate degrees were completed. In addition,
33 bachelor's degrees, 12 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
579
Part Time: 350
Full Time: 229
Source: College Scorecard 2025
Completions By Degree
81
Associate: 36
Bachelor's: 33
Master's: 12
Doctoral: 0
Source: Lightcast™ 2024
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Source: Lightcast™ 2024 (Online vs. Total Completions)
Affordable Colleges Near Pierre, South Dakota
Wondering what you can expect to pay for a degree near Pierre, South Dakota? According to undergraduate tuition data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average
tuition at Pierre-area's 4-year
nonprofit schools is $9,577. The average tuition at similar 4-year for-profit
schools near Pierre is N/A, while tuition at 2-year online colleges and universities is N/A.
Accredited
Colleges Serving Pierre, 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 Pierre, South Dakota is institutionally accredited? View a list of
institutionally accredited colleges and universities serving Pierre, South Dakota here. We've made it easy to find your school by breaking down the list by school type.
Accredited Nonprofit Colleges Serving Pierre, South Dakota
Pierre, South Dakota Job Market & Opportunities
What happens after you earn your college degree in Pierre? What's the Pierre, South Dakota job market outlook? Get a snapshot of jobs and careers, including annual job openings, median earnings and more.
In 2024, there were about 3,664 jobs in the Pierre, South Dakota area. From 2023-2024, job growth in Pierre was below the national average, at 1.2%. There were 449 job openings in the area. In terms of earnings, workers in Pierre do better than the national average, with an average hourly pay of $22.9.
% of Change (23-24)
+1.2%
National Avg: +1.7%
Median Earnings
$22.9/hr
National Avg: $21.52/hr