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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in South Dakota

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Oglala Lakota College stands out with a net price of just $2,065, making it the most affordable teacher education program in South Dakota by a wide margin. The state's 11 programs show a dramatic cost spread, with private institutions like Augustana University reaching $24,723 while public options remain accessible. South Dakota's teacher shortage, particularly in rural districts where many Native American students attend tribal colleges, creates steady demand for education graduates. Earnings range from $38,048 to $43,426, with Augustana graduates earning the highest salaries despite the program's premium cost. The state's lack of income tax helps stretch teaching salaries further in a profession where every dollar counts.
11
Programs
$2,065 – $24,723
Net Price Range
$40,519
Avg. Program Earnings
51.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $17,001 $40,768 $9,000 38.6% 96.6%
2 $17,094 $38,289 $8,845 52.2% 78.1%
3 $19,725 $42,682 $9,633 49.3% 78.9%
4 $18,219 $38,485 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
5 $19,155 $38,048 $9,432 61.4% 99.5%
6 $23,295 $41,937 $33,100 60.6% 68.4%
7 $24,723 $43,426 $39,190 75.6% 65.8%
8 $19,300 $32,890 46.4% 74.8%
9 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
10 $7,075 $4,714
11 $20,874 $20,740 60.5% 76.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oglala Lakota College such an affordable option for teacher education?

Oglala Lakota College offers the lowest net price at $2,065, nearly $15,000 less than the next cheapest option. As a tribal college serving the Pine Ridge Reservation, it receives federal funding that helps keep costs minimal for students. The college specifically trains teachers to work in Native American communities where educators are desperately needed.

How do private university graduates fare compared to public school graduates in earnings?

Augustana University graduates earn $43,426 annually, the highest among all programs, while public university graduates average around $38,000-$40,000. Mount Marty University also shows strong earnings at $41,937, suggesting private institutions may provide networking advantages. However, the $5,000-$6,000 salary difference may not justify the significantly higher tuition costs for many students.

Is the University of South Dakota worth considering despite its 99.46% acceptance rate?

The University of South Dakota maintains a 61.40% graduation rate, the second-highest among public institutions, despite accepting virtually all applicants. Its net price of $19,155 falls in the middle range for public schools. The high acceptance rate reflects the state's need for teachers rather than academic weakness, and the strong graduation rate suggests solid student support.

Does student debt significantly impact teacher education graduates in South Dakota?

Available debt data shows South Dakota State University graduates average $24,250 in debt while University of South Dakota graduates carry $25,500. With starting salaries around $38,000-$40,000, graduates face manageable debt-to-income ratios. South Dakota's lack of state income tax provides additional financial relief for new teachers entering the workforce.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas 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.