Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in South Dakota

Teacher education programs in South Dakota span an enormous cost spectrum, from Oglala Lakota College's remarkable $2,065 net price to Augustana University's $24,723 annual cost. This 12-fold difference creates unique opportunities for future educators entering a state where rural school districts often struggle to fill teaching positions. South Dakota's lack of state income tax means teacher salaries stretch further than comparable wages elsewhere. Northern State University graduates earn $39,523 annually while paying just $17,094 net, demonstrating how public institutions deliver strong returns. The state's agricultural economy and growing healthcare sector create demand for specialized education professionals who can serve varied student populations across vast rural territories.

Programs

$2,065 – $24,723

Net Price Range

$38,881

Avg. Program Earnings

51.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 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	$40,768	$9,000	38.6%	96.6%
2	Northern State University Aberdeen, South Dakota	$17,094	$39,523	$8,845	52.2%	78.1%
3	Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, South Dakota	$19,300	$42,123	$32,890	46.4%	74.8%
4	University of South Dakota Vermillion, South Dakota	$19,155	$38,739	$9,432	61.4%	99.5%
5	Dakota State University Madison, South Dakota	$19,725	$39,153	$9,633	49.3%	78.9%
6	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$18,219	$32,925	$9,299	59.6%	86.1%
7	Mount Marty University Yankton, South Dakota	$23,295	$41,565	$33,100	60.6%	68.4%
8	University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$20,874	$37,208	$20,740	60.5%	76.0%
9	Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$24,723	$37,928	$39,190	75.6%	65.8%
10	Oglala Lakota College Kyle, South Dakota	$2,065		$2,684	11.5%
11	Sinte Gleska University Mission, South Dakota	$7,075		$4,714

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost differences between South Dakota teacher education programs?

The gap between Oglala Lakota College at $2,065 and Augustana University at $24,723 reflects different institutional types and missions. Tribal colleges like Oglala Lakota serve specific Native American communities with heavily subsidized education, while private institutions like Augustana charge premium rates for smaller class sizes and specialized resources.

How do South Dakota teacher salaries compare to program costs?

Dakota Wesleyan University graduates earn the highest salaries at $42,123, nearly double their $19,300 net program cost. Even at the lower end, South Dakota State graduates earning $32,925 still see reasonable returns given the state's low living costs and absence of state income tax.

Is the University of South Dakota worth its higher acceptance rate?

Despite accepting 99.46% of applicants, USD delivers solid outcomes with a 61.40% graduation rate and $38,739 starting salaries. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to serve South Dakota residents rather than academic selectivity.

Where do South Dakota teacher education graduates find the best job prospects?

Rural districts across South Dakota actively recruit teachers, particularly in specialized areas like special education and STEM subjects. The state's growing healthcare sector and agricultural technology businesses also create opportunities for education professionals in corporate training and curriculum development roles.

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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.