Cheapest Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies Colleges in South Dakota

Black Hills State University stands out among South Dakota's five Rhetoric and Composition programs with the lowest net cost at $17,001, nearly $2,300 less than Dakota State University. The state's lack of income tax and strong finance sector, anchored by Citibank's operations, creates opportunities for writing graduates in corporate communications. Northern State achieves the highest graduation rate at 52.2% while maintaining costs under $17,100, making it particularly attractive for students balancing affordability with completion likelihood.

Programs

$17,001 – $19,725

Net Price Range

49.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 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	Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, South Dakota	$19,300	$32,890	46.4%	74.8%
5	Dakota State University Madison, South Dakota	$19,725	$9,633	49.3%	78.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dakota Wesleyan University different from the public options?

Dakota Wesleyan charges a sticker price of $32,890 but brings the net cost down to $19,300 through financial aid. This private institution accepts 74.77% of applicants compared to the 96.64% acceptance rate at Black Hills State, suggesting more selective admissions while maintaining a 46.4% graduation rate.

How do graduation rates compare across these programs?

South Dakota State leads with a 59.6% graduation rate, followed by Northern State at 52.2% and Dakota State at 49.3%. Black Hills State shows the lowest completion rate at 38.6%, which prospective students should weigh against its position as the most affordable option at $17,001 net cost.

Where do most of these schools cluster geographically?

Four of the five programs operate in smaller cities across different regions of the state. Aberdeen, Brookings, Madison, and Mitchell each host universities, while Spearfish in the Black Hills provides the mountain setting for the most affordable program option.

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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.