Cheapest Psychology Colleges in South Dakota

Black Hills State University charges just $17,001 net price for psychology students, making it South Dakota's most affordable option by a narrow $93 margin over Northern State University. The state's public universities cluster tightly between $17,001 and $19,155, while private schools jump to $19,300 at Dakota Wesleyan and peak at $24,723 for Augustana University. South Dakota's growing healthcare sector, anchored by Sanford Health and Avera Health systems, creates steady demand for psychology graduates in clinical support roles and community mental health positions.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $7,622 gap between cheapest and most expensive psychology programs?

Public universities receive state funding that keeps net costs between $17,001 and $19,155, while private institutions like Augustana University at $24,723 rely on tuition revenue. However, Augustana graduates earn $31,851 annually compared to $27,295 at Black Hills State, potentially offsetting the higher investment.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable psychology programs?

Northern State University achieves a 52.2% graduation rate at $17,094 net cost, while Mount Marty University reaches 60.6% despite charging $23,295. The University of South Dakota combines strong value with a 61.4% graduation rate at $19,155 net price.

Where do psychology graduates find the best earning potential in South Dakota?

Augustana University graduates average $31,851 in early career earnings, followed by University of South Dakota at $30,616. Both schools position graduates well for South Dakota's healthcare industry, which employs many psychology degree holders in patient services and administrative roles.

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.