Cheapest Business Administration Colleges in South Dakota

Oglala Lakota College offers the most accessible business education path in South Dakota at just $2,065 net cost, while Augustana University commands $24,723 despite producing graduates earning $44,666 annually. This dramatic pricing spectrum reflects the state's commitment to educational access across tribal, public, and private institutions. South Dakota's business programs directly serve the state's major employers including Citibank's credit operations and agricultural enterprises that drive the regional economy. The absence of state income tax allows graduates to retain more of their starting salaries, which range from $35,416 to $45,109 across these 12 programs.

Programs

$2,065 – $24,723

Net Price Range

$39,772

Avg. Program Earnings

52.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Oglala Lakota College Kyle, South Dakota	$2,065	$2,684	11.5%
2	Sinte Gleska University Mission, South Dakota	$7,075	$4,714
3	Black Hills State University Spearfish, South Dakota	$17,001	$9,000	38.6%	96.6%
4	Northern State University Aberdeen, South Dakota	$17,094	$8,845	52.2%	78.1%
5	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$18,219	$9,299	59.6%	86.1%
6	University of South Dakota Vermillion, South Dakota	$19,155	$9,432	61.4%	99.5%
7	Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, South Dakota	$19,300	$32,890	46.4%	74.8%
8	Dakota State University Madison, South Dakota	$19,725	$9,633	49.3%	78.9%
9	University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$20,874	$20,740	60.5%	76.0%
10	National American University-Rapid City Rapid City, South Dakota	$22,086	$16,065	60.0%
11	Mount Marty University Yankton, South Dakota	$23,295	$33,100	60.6%	68.4%
12	Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$24,723	$39,190	75.6%	65.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Dakota business programs unusually affordable compared to other states?

Public institutions like Black Hills State University charge just $9,000 in-state tuition while maintaining 96.64% acceptance rates. The state's low cost of living and absence of state income tax further reduce the total educational investment for business students.

How do graduation rates vary between the most and least expensive programs?

Augustana University achieves a 75.60% graduation rate at $24,723 net cost, while Oglala Lakota College graduates 11.50% of students at $2,065. Mid-tier options like University of South Dakota balance affordability with 61.40% completion rates at $19,155 net cost.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee higher earnings?

National American University-Rapid City produces the highest-earning graduates at $45,109 annually despite ranking 10th in cost at $22,086. Dakota Wesleyan University charges $19,300 but generates the lowest median earnings at $35,416, showing cost and income potential don't always correlate.

Where do South Dakota business graduates typically find employment?

Major employers include Citibank's Sioux Falls operations, regional healthcare systems, and agricultural businesses throughout the state. The finance and healthcare sectors particularly value management graduates, while the state's agricultural economy creates opportunities in operations and supply chain roles.

More Business Administration, Management and Operations 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.