Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in South Dakota

Teacher education costs in South Dakota span an enormous range, from Oglala Lakota College's $2,065 net price to Augustana University's $24,723. This 12-fold difference reflects the state's mix of tribal colleges, public universities, and private institutions serving future educators. South Dakota's teacher shortage, particularly in rural districts, creates strong demand for graduates who can earn between $32,925 and $42,123 annually. The state's agricultural economy and growing healthcare sector provide teaching opportunities in vocational education and career training programs. Public universities like Black Hills State and Northern State offer solid value propositions with net costs under $18,000, while graduates from Dakota Wesleyan command the highest starting salaries at $42,123.

Programs

$2,065 – $24,723

Net Price Range

$38,881

Avg. Program Earnings

51.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 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	Mount Marty University Yankton, South Dakota	$23,295	$33,100	60.6%	68.4%
11	Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota	$24,723	$39,190	75.6%	65.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oglala Lakota College so affordable for teacher education students?

Oglala Lakota College offers the lowest net cost at just $2,065, with an in-state tuition of $2,684. As a tribal college serving the Pine Ridge Reservation, it receives federal funding that significantly reduces costs for Native American students and others in the community.

How do South Dakota's public universities compare in teacher education value?

Public universities range from $17,001 to $19,725 in net costs, with graduation rates between 38.6% and 61.4%. University of South Dakota leads with a 61.4% graduation rate and nearly universal acceptance at 99.46%, while Black Hills State offers the most affordable option at $17,001.

Is the higher cost of private colleges worth it for teacher education?

Dakota Wesleyan graduates earn $42,123 annually, the highest among all programs, despite a net cost of $19,300. However, Augustana University costs $24,723 but produces graduates earning only $37,928, suggesting private school value varies significantly.

Where do teacher education graduates typically find employment in South Dakota?

South Dakota faces teacher shortages in rural districts, creating opportunities across the state's 149 school districts. The agriculture-based economy also supports career and technical education positions, while growing sectors like healthcare need instructional coordinators earning the higher end of the $32,925-$42,123 range.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Rankings

Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods in South Dakota Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Under $20,000 in South Dakota

All Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs Best Colleges in South Dakota Best Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods in South Dakota

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.