Best Value Biology Colleges in South Dakota

Northern State University delivers the strongest earnings potential for biology graduates in South Dakota at $38,289 annually, nearly $13,000 above the state average. This Aberdeen campus achieves this outcome with a net price of just $17,094, making it the clear value leader among the state's nine biology programs. South Dakota's growing healthcare sector, anchored by regional medical centers and the state's agricultural research facilities, creates steady demand for biology graduates who can support both clinical and agricultural science initiatives across the rural state.

Programs

$17,001 – $24,723

Net Price Range

$29,602

Avg. Program Earnings

57.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Northern State University Aberdeen, South Dakota	$17,094	$38,289	$8,845	52.2%	78.1%
2	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$18,219	$29,685	$9,299	59.6%	86.1%
3	Black Hills State University Spearfish, South Dakota	$17,001	$25,967	$9,000	38.6%	96.6%
4	Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, South Dakota	$19,300	$28,019	$32,890	46.4%	74.8%
5	University of South Dakota Vermillion, South Dakota	$19,155	$25,967	$9,432	61.4%	99.5%
6	Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$24,723	$29,685	$39,190	75.6%	65.8%
7	Mount Marty University Yankton, South Dakota	$23,295		$33,100	60.6%	68.4%
8	South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, South Dakota	$20,380		$10,400	58.2%	82.7%
9	University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$20,874		$20,740	60.5%	76.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between biology programs in South Dakota?

Northern State University graduates earn $38,289 compared to $25,967 at Black Hills State and University of South Dakota, a difference of over $12,000 annually. Program focus and regional employer connections likely drive these variations, with Northern State's proximity to agricultural research facilities potentially creating better placement opportunities.

How do private university costs compare to public options for biology students?

Private institutions like Augustana University charge $24,723 net compared to public schools averaging around $18,000. However, Augustana achieves a 75.6% graduation rate, significantly higher than most public alternatives, which may justify the additional investment for students who complete their degrees.

Does South Dakota State University offer good value despite moderate earnings?

SDSU graduates earn $29,685 with a net cost of $18,219, producing solid returns for a flagship university. The 59.6% graduation rate and 86% acceptance rate make it accessible, while the Brookings location provides research opportunities in agricultural and life sciences that align with regional employment needs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.