Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in South Dakota

Sinte Gleska University offers criminal justice training for just $7,075 annually, creating an unusual $16,000 gap between South Dakota's most and least expensive programs. The state's seven criminal justice schools prepare graduates for careers in correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies that benefit from South Dakota's stable agricultural economy and major financial sector employers like Citibank. Graduates typically earn between $36,938 and $39,729, with most programs maintaining graduation rates above 60 percent.

Programs

$7,075 – $23,295

Net Price Range

$38,821

Avg. Program Earnings

56.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Sinte Gleska University Mission, South Dakota	$7,075	$4,714
2	Northern State University Aberdeen, South Dakota	$17,094	$8,845	52.2%	78.1%
3	University of South Dakota Vermillion, South Dakota	$19,155	$9,432	61.4%	99.5%
4	Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, South Dakota	$19,300	$32,890	46.4%	74.8%
5	University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$20,874	$20,740	60.5%	76.0%
6	National American University-Rapid City Rapid City, South Dakota	$22,086	$16,065	60.0%
7	Mount Marty University Yankton, South Dakota	$23,295	$33,100	60.6%	68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic cost difference between South Dakota's criminal justice programs?

Public institutions like Sinte Gleska University charge $7,075 while private schools like Mount Marty University reach $23,295, creating a $16,220 spread. The tribal college structure at Sinte Gleska and state funding for public universities keep costs significantly lower than private alternatives.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points in criminal justice programs?

Higher-priced private schools don't guarantee better completion rates, with Dakota Wesleyan University at $19,300 showing only 46.4% graduation compared to University of South Dakota's 61.4% at similar cost. Northern State University offers the best value combination at $17,094 with 52.2% graduation rate.

Does student debt burden vary significantly among South Dakota criminal justice graduates?

University of South Dakota graduates carry $21,500 in debt while earning $39,249 annually, creating manageable payment ratios. National American University graduates face higher debt at $27,986 but lower starting salaries of $36,938, requiring more careful financial planning.

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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.