Best Value Psychology Colleges in South Dakota

South Dakota psychology programs show remarkable cost efficiency, with public options averaging just $17,500 net cost while delivering graduates earning up to $30,616 annually. The state's growing healthcare sector, anchored by major medical centers in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, creates steady demand for mental health professionals. Northern State University stands out with a 52% graduation rate at only $17,094 net cost, while the University of South Dakota combines reasonable pricing with the highest public earnings at $30,616.

Programs

$17,001 – $24,723

Net Price Range

$28,033

Avg. Program Earnings

56.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Black Hills State University Spearfish, South Dakota	$17,001	$27,295	$9,000	38.6%	96.6%
2	Northern State University Aberdeen, South Dakota	$17,094	$27,439	$8,845	52.2%	78.1%
3	University of South Dakota Vermillion, South Dakota	$19,155	$30,616	$9,432	61.4%	99.5%
4	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$18,219	$29,033	$9,299	59.6%	86.1%
5	Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$24,723	$31,851	$39,190	75.6%	65.8%
6	University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$20,874	$21,964	$20,740	60.5%	76.0%
7	Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, South Dakota	$19,300		$32,890	46.4%	74.8%
8	Mount Marty University Yankton, South Dakota	$23,295		$33,100	60.6%	68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Dakota psychology programs particularly affordable compared to national averages?

Public universities here charge net costs between $17,001 and $19,155, significantly below national averages. The state's lack of income tax and low living costs further reduce the total expense of earning a psychology degree.

How do graduation rates vary among South Dakota psychology programs?

Graduation rates span from 38% at Black Hills State to 75% at Augustana University. Public schools show mixed results, with Northern State achieving 52% and University of South Dakota reaching 61%, both above the national average for similar institutions.

Does earning potential justify the cost difference between public and private psychology programs?

Public graduates earn $27,295 to $30,616 annually at costs under $20,000, while Augustana's $24,723 cost produces $31,851 earnings. The premium for private education yields only modest salary gains relative to the investment required.

More Psychology, General Rankings

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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.