Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in South Dakota

South Dakota State University computer science graduates earn $74,845 annually, making it the top performer among 8 programs statewide. The earnings gap reaches $34,294 between highest and lowest performing schools, while net costs range from just $2,065 at Oglala Lakota College to $24,723 at Augustana University. With Citibank's major operations in Sioux Falls and the state's growing tech sector, computer science graduates find strong opportunities in financial technology and agricultural data systems throughout the region.

Programs

$2,065 – $24,723

Net Price Range

$58,878

Avg. Program Earnings

54.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$18,219	$74,845	$9,299	59.6%	86.1%
2	University of South Dakota Vermillion, South Dakota	$19,155	$62,012	$9,432	61.4%	99.5%
3	South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, South Dakota	$20,380	$61,020	$10,400	58.2%	82.7%
4	Dakota State University Madison, South Dakota	$19,725	$55,964	$9,633	49.3%	78.9%
5	National American University-Rapid City Rapid City, South Dakota	$22,086	$40,551	$16,065	60.0%
6	Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$24,723		$39,190	75.6%	65.8%
7	Oglala Lakota College Kyle, South Dakota	$2,065		$2,684	11.5%
8	University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$20,874		$20,740	60.5%	76.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Dakota State University the highest-earning computer science program?

South Dakota State graduates earn $74,845 annually, outpacing the next closest school by over $12,000. The program combines a 59.60% graduation rate with relatively low debt of $21,500, creating strong return on investment for students.

How do public and private computer science programs compare in costs?

Public schools offer significant savings with net costs averaging around $19,000 compared to private institutions reaching $24,723 at Augustana. In-state students at public universities pay between $2,684 and $10,400, while private schools charge considerably more.

Where do computer science graduates find employment in South Dakota?

Major employers include Citibank in Sioux Falls, which operates one of the largest credit card processing centers nationally. The state's agriculture sector also creates demand for data analysts and software developers working on precision farming and crop management systems.

More Computer and Information Sciences, General Rankings

Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences, General in South Dakota Computer and Information Sciences, General Under $20,000 in South Dakota

All Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs Best Colleges in South Dakota Best Computer and Information Sciences, General in South Dakota

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