2025 Best UUÖ±²¥s in South Dakota
Online degrees in South Dakota are flexible and easy to access for people who want to continue their education in fields such as healthcare, education, and business. Benefits include lower out-of-state tuition rates and the ability to balance studies with personal and professional responsibilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Dakota Wesleyan University and Dakota State University offer median graduate earnings of $62,465 and $60,110, respectively.
- Our selections for affordable South Dakota schools offer an average tuition of $10,643.
- South Dakota State University, in particular, stands out for affordability and has a high recommendation rate (90%) and a solid overall review rating (3.87 out of 5).
Although OnlineU typically uses a conventional ranking format, our methodology for highlighting colleges by state considers the different approaches students have when picking a school. This includes affordability, earnings potential, student satisfaction, and Honorable Mentions, presented in four distinct categories to help you make the best decision.
Best by Salary Score
Alumni salaries help prospective students identify the best long-term financial investments in schools. We use this data to create a Salary Score, giving letter grades where an A+ indicates higher alumni earnings compared to other schools. The best online schools in South Dakota have median earnings above $60,000.
Dakota Wesleyan University
Why We Like Them:
DWU excels in online education, particularly when considering the median earnings for alumni are $62,465, placing it in the top 26% of schools for this metric. Combined with a generous average financial aid package of $21,097, this makes DWU a top choice for students focused on return on investment. Moreover, 100% of students receive financial aid, ensuring broad-based support and financial accessibility. DWU offers various online graduate programs, including a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Education, designed to fit into busy schedules.
Dakota State University
Why We Like Them:
DSU is notable due to the median earnings of its graduates, which stand at $60,110, placing the university in the top 30% for this metric. More than 1,770 students are enrolled in the university's online programs, which range from certificates to graduate degrees. DSU utilizes the popular learning management system Desire2Learn (D2L) to facilitate online assignments, lectures, and exams. This platform allows the school to provide a flexible, cohesive virtual classroom experience. As an online student, you can complete your courses anytime and anywhere.
What Students Say:
"The school has great use of technology! No matter what degree you go for, you will receive a minor for technology. The class sizes are smaller than a big college. The professors know you by name and are interested in your opinions and thoughts."
Katie, Graduated 2015
Best by Affordability
These schools boast an affordable tuition rate at the bachelor’s level. The OnlineU staff manually researches tuition costs and online degrees on official school websites. Our most affordable schools in South Dakota are below $10,700 in annual tuition costs.
Northern State University
Why We Like Them:
NSU is noteworthy for its affordability, with a tuition of $10,643. This tuition is better than 40% of schools nationwide, making it an excellent option if you are looking for a budget-friendly education. As you explore online education options here, you will find many different programs to suit your needs, from individual courses to complete degrees. Among all NSU students, 1,083 study online. At the online undergraduate level, there are majors in business administration, criminal justice, and accounting. Master's degree offerings include banking and financial services, accounting analytics, and art education, each tailored to help you achieve your career goals.
South Dakota State University
Why We Like Them:
We included SDSU because of its $10,643 tuition rate, making it a budget-friendly choice for many. Each and every student attending SDSU benefits from financial aid, making it a top choice if you require financial assistance to pursue your degree. Complementing this affordability is a strong retention rate of 79%, indicating a positive student experience and meaningful support system. What's more, 90% of SDSU students recommend attending the school. SDSU offers a variety of online degree options across multiple levels, including bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs, providing flexibility and comprehensive education to suit your career goals. Online undergraduate students can major in popular subjects such as geographic information systems, nursing, and psychology.
What Students Say:
"Great school spirit. Not too big and not too small. Nice college community."
Anonymous, Graduated 2010
University of South Dakota
Why We Like Them:
USD secured its place on our affordability list with a tuition of $10,643 per year — same as all the schools on our affordability list for South Dakota. It also has an impressive retention rate of 82%, which stands in the top 18% of universities nationally, making it evident that students find value in staying through their program. Furthermore, the university has a high online enrollment of 2,152 students, placing it in the top 21%. This metric signifies an effective online infrastructure and a thriving virtual learner community. USD's commitment to online education is clear as you browse more than 50 accredited online programs spanning business, health sciences, education, and nursing, taught by the same esteemed faculty as on-campus courses.
What Students Say:
"My fields of study were exceptional. The number of classes for English and History was enough to allow one variety, and the numbers of students was small enough to be able to provide a more intimate learning experience...professors were invested in the success of their students, lending time for conversation and extra books if they were needed."
L.L.S., Graduated 2009
Honorable Mention
Many colleges and universities don't fit neatly into a single category, but that doesn't mean they should be overlooked. Our Honorable Mention section highlights schools that deserve your attention during your college search. For example, 100% of students attending these South Dakota universities use financial aid to fund their education.
Black Hills State University
Why We Like Them:
The primary reason we included BHSU is because of its substantial online enrollment. With 1,332 online students, BHSU stands out for its commitment to providing flexible education options for a significant number of learners. If you're seeking financial assistance, you'll be pleased to know that 100% of BHSU students receive financial aid, placing the school in the top 18% in this category. Most of BHSU's fully online degrees are at the master's level and include majors such as strategic leadership and secondary education. Online undergraduate students can study business administration or opt for a general studies degree. All BHSU online programs are designed for working professionals and students requiring flexible learning schedules.
What Students Say:
"A great small college that is inexpensive yet offers great opportunities, small class sizes, and one on one time with professors."
Heather, Graduated 2014
University of Sioux Falls
Why We Like Them:
USF is an attractive option for online learners seeking financial assistance. All students receive financial aid, with the average amount totaling $12,117 per student, ensuring an accessible education for everyone. Median earnings for graduates are solid at $54,380, placing them in the top 42% compared to other universities around the country, an indicator of the valuable return on investment this institution offers. USF offers a variety of online degree programs that include professional certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Undergraduate options include accounting, business, health administration, and general studies, while advanced degrees like an MBA and an MEd are also available. Unique features such as an alternative certification in special education further enrich these offerings.
Student Reviews of Online Programs
The classes are amazing because you are able to communicate easily with the professors during classes and they also have office hours which you can go to. Since most of the classes are small professors care about their students. The dorms are very inviting and the views are spectacular. There are many ways to explore the city of San Francisco. The food in outake and crossroads is delicious.
Review Date: 10/3/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am currently sophomore at the Florida State University and I am a psychology major on the Pre-Med track. Florida State is a great place to live and study with a stunning campus that has places to lounge around and nap and an extracurricular life that can have you busy every day of the week if wanted. The coursework for the school differs major by major but if you are in the field of study that you truly want to be in then you'll find that it is worth all the time and energy.
Each major has multiple... Read More
The most important lesson about college is to realize that academics are not the entire world, you also need to have free-time. It is really easy to strike up a conversation with a classmate or just a random stranger walking down the street honestly. Most everyone here is warm and friendly and always willing to share a joke and a smile. Same goes with the professors. Talk to them, visit during their office hours and ask questions in class. When you actively engage with them then they will be more enthused about the lesson and even a boring subject can be made entertaining.
Honestly you are the only one who knows what school is right for you. When you walk across Landis and see other students running around playing ultimate Frisbee or lounging around with other friends and pets, or when you go to see a midnight movie at the SLC and everyone is dressed up for the Avengers, or even if you are simply sitting in your dorm and you look at the window and cannot help but smile a little, then this is the place for you. There is no greater feeling then being a 'Nole!
Review Date: 10/1/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I THINK PEOPLE FORGET THIS ISN'T YALE UNIVERSITY COMPLAINING LEFT AND RIGHT AS THOUGH THEY DESERVE A MASTERS OR SOMETHING. I ATTENDED THE SBI IN ISELIN,NJ AND THIS PROGRAM WAS EXCELLENT THE INSTRUCTORS WERE GREAT, AND EXTREMELY HELPFUL. READING SOME REVIEWS AND PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT GETTING DOCKED FOR THEIR TIME WELL WHAT DO YOU EXPECT THIS ISNT HIGH SCHOOL ITS A 10MNTHS TO A YEAR PROGRAM AND IF YOURE ABSENT OR DECIDE TO BE IRRESPONSIBLE AND COME LATE AND LEAVE EARLY THEN THATS ON YOU AND YOU DESERVE... Read More
Review Date: 1/11/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall, I recommend the Regis University online graduate program. The program has a strong ethics component which was attractive to me. The technology they use is also modern and user-friendly. To be successful you do need to be self-reliant. Course facilitators are available for phone calls but the online nature prevents deep interaction.
Strong reading and writing skills will help make this successful. As is the case with most colleges, some of the faculty were terrific while others seemed a bit... Read More
Review Date: 3/27/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I recently toured the Art Institute of Washington. I am very inmpressed with there program, facilities and committment to education in the Fine Arts.
I was able to see students work in the fashion design department. It is well above student grade. I believe that any student who "committs", themselves to their studies wil do well practicing in their field.
To succeed in the field of the fine arts you must pursue it with passion.
Review Date: 7/3/2011
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was so looking forward to becoming a surgical tech until I realized that i was in the wrong school. Not only do they have unreasonable expectations of their students and policies, but it wasnt until after they had me in debt that i realized that i made the wrong decision when i chose to persue my career goals through everest. the admissions reps are the most convincing because they get paid to enroll you, but PLEASE do your research!!!
Review Date: 4/19/2012
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
First let me start off by saying I am working in the field for what I went to this school for.
While attending SBI I was an A/B student. I took the Cardiovascular Technology program (a steep $35,000) and I was never the student to complain.
When I went to sign up for the school they told me that it was an accredited school and that whatever credits I received I can transfer to another college if I wanted too. This is entirely not true, as I have yet to find a school that will accept my credits. The... Read More
They did have student services that helped me to prepare my resume, which the person who prepared my resume had very little computer knowledge. I had to show her how to copy and paste!
I never complained or was a student to start trouble but I would not recommend this school to anyone. Take $35K and get a real degree at a real college. I feel like they did not prepare me for the real world, and I did most if not all of my learning working in the field. We had 16 people in my class and 3 are actually doing what they went to school for. I was one of the lucky ones who got a job but it was no thanks to Sanford Brown.
Review Date: 5/1/2012
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Very good easy to use and understand Portal classes are not hard very good customer service very friendly student support and advisor's very good instructor’s good video lessons and library they have career services if you qualify you can get a free laptop computer.
Review Date: 2/27/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My experience going to Purdue University Global has been amazing, good instructor, the curriculum and working with your daily scheduling and advisor who really help alone your journey. Also, the curriculum is easy to navigate through so you can manage your time and home life.
Review Date: 3/3/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was skeptical at first when I came across Bryan University online, but after speaking to others about it I said why not and gave it a shot and so far I have not been let down. If you are looking to get into graphics design, there starting courses are great for beginners. If you are already good at graphics design then it will seem like a waste of time to you but you will still need to get certified to continue on to get an associates and so on. It isn't to challenging to where you get super overwhelmed... Read More
Review Date: 1/30/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Guy for his professional guidance and unwavering dedication. While Techskills is responsible for the skill course design, Mr. Guy, in his sales role, has exhibited exceptional professionalism. Techskills' skill course design reflects a high level of professionalism, striking a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This equilibrium caters to individuals who are genuinely eager to delve deep into the subject matter.... Read More
Review Date: 11/27/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The actual program and professors were fantastic, dealing with financial aid and communication within departments is abysmal. I have had enormous difficulty in getting through to financial aid to approve my loan for the year and I was supposed to receive a 4 term scholarship, but they did not communicate details to me and I am not going to be able to receive the last term of my scholarship for reasons that I was not aware of up front. It was frustrating enough to make me regret choosing Union Institute... Read More
Review Date: 8/26/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Financial aid was not helpful at all. I have to pay out of pocket now because financial aid missed critical details within my aid. Most classes reviewed the same materials, it was like I was completing the same class over and over. Unless my classes won’t transfer I will not continue my education with Purdue.
Review Date: 6/17/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I think this is a very good program. I think the online system is pretty well structured and doesn't take long to figure out how to navigate it. I like it alot. I am in a certification program and I am really happy so far with it. I've been in it a few months and everything is going well. I have taken courses at both Penn Foster & also at Ashworth College. First off both are Accredited. Thats soooo important when finding an online school. I have seen people wanting to know which is better Penn Foster... Read More
Review Date: 9/8/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Im So thankful for Penn foster . I Dropped out of high school my senior year in 2016 .I enrolled in Penn foster in June 2019 and got my diploma in one month .thanks to Penn foster ill be attending college in August! Im so grateful that everything was a smooth process ..I had no complications,no complaints.The test is all multiple questions and also, Theyll send your diploma within 1-5 days once you completed all your course.
Review Date: 8/12/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Professors are experienced, scholarly, and approachable. They really want the student to succeed. Online classes are time-consuming but no time is wasted on commuting.
Review Date: 11/16/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
So I thought about continuing my education with Penn Foster but was always hesitant. I have attended other online schools. What was appealing to me about Penn Foster was the cost and the idea of graduating with no debt. Also, their accreditation is recognized regionally and nationally by my employer. My experience so far has been great. Penn Foster puts everything you need right in front of you. The way the courses and online resources are set up are super user friendly, creating one of the most... Read More
Review Date: 12/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Online program so unable to rate transportation, surrounding area, affordability of living or campus safety.
Review Date: 8/28/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The courses are interesting and valuable. So far everything I have learned has been directly applicable to my future career. The professors are all very knowledgable and 2 out of the 3 I had this past semester I would consider outstanding. To me the biggest con on this graduate program is that so many of the courses are only offered online. Another negative is that many courses are compressed into 10 weeks. In other words, you learn 15 weeks worth of information in 10 weeks so the workload is exremely... Read More
Review Date: 11/8/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
A lot of help from academic advisors but the admissions officers could use training in customer service.
Review Date: 7/7/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Higher Education in South Dakota
There are offering degrees in South Dakota. That includes large public schools like South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, community and technical colleges that offer certificates and associate degrees, and small religious schools, such as Dakota Wesleyan University.
There are also three tribal colleges owned and operated by Native American tribes in South Dakota. Oglala Lakota College and Sinte Gleska University are public four-year universities serving roughly 2,800 students. Sisseton Wahpeton College is a small public two-year school that serves just under 300 students.
The cost of college in South Dakota tends to be higher for students at community colleges and technical schools but lower for students at private four-year universities compared to the national average. Students at private universities save around $6,000 on average compared to students nationwide. For in-state students who go to public universities, the cost is on par with the national average.
Students looking for an online college in South Dakota can choose from 18 different schools offering distance education. There are colleges, universities, and technical schools offering fully online certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate programs.
Students can get their online degree in nearly every subject, but some of the most popular bachelor's degrees include business, healthcare, information technology, teaching, and nursing in South Dakota. Popular graduate programs for online students include a master's in business administration (MBA), a master's in social work (MSW), or graduate degrees in teaching and education, healthcare administration, and nursing.
FAQs About UUÖ±²¥s in South Dakota
How Many Colleges Are in South Dakota?
South Dakota is home to 22 different degree-granting colleges and universities, including large four-year universities, small private schools, religious colleges, community and technical schools, and three tribal colleges.
What States Have Tuition Reciprocity with South Dakota?
Students from South Dakota can pay at colleges in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and some schools in Nebraska and Wyoming.
How Do I Establish Residency in South Dakota for College?
While it can vary from school to school, students generally need to live in South Dakota for a full year (12 consecutive months) before they start their first day of classes. Students who move to South Dakota for college but don't live in the state for at least one year before they start school won't qualify for in-state tuition, even after living in the state for a year while attending college.
Does South Dakota Have Community Colleges?
South Dakota has six community and technical colleges offering associate degrees and certificates: Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Oglala Lakota College, Sisseton Wahpeton College, Southeast Technical College, and Western Dakota Technical College.