Cheapest Sociology Colleges in South Dakota

Black Hills State University offers sociology students the lowest net price in South Dakota at $17,001, while Augustana University commands $24,723 for similar programs. Northern State University graduates earn the highest median salary at $35,060, creating an 8% earnings gap across the state's seven programs. South Dakota's lack of state income tax and growing healthcare sector, which employs many sociology graduates in social services and community outreach roles, make these affordable programs particularly attractive for students planning careers in human services.

Programs

$17,001 – $24,723

Net Price Range

$32,759

Avg. Program Earnings

56.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Sociology 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	Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$24,723	$39,190	75.6%	65.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $7,722 price difference between the cheapest and most expensive sociology programs?

The gap reflects South Dakota's mix of public and private institutions, with public schools like Black Hills State ($17,001) and Northern State ($17,094) offering significantly lower net prices than private colleges. Augustana University's $24,723 net price includes smaller class sizes and higher graduation rates at 75.6%.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable sociology programs in the state?

Public universities show wide variation, with University of South Dakota achieving 61.4% graduation rates compared to Black Hills State's 38.6%. Northern State falls in the middle at 52.2%, while still maintaining the highest post-graduation earnings at $35,060.

Where do sociology graduates typically find employment in South Dakota's job market?

Many graduates work in the state's expanding healthcare system, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations serving rural communities. South Dakota's major employers like Sanford Health and regional social service agencies regularly hire sociology graduates for case management and community outreach positions.

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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.