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Christian Colleges in South Dakota

5 schools in South Dakota. See our methodology.

Augustana University commands attention among South Dakota's Christian institutions with its selective 65.79% acceptance rate and $59,217 graduate earnings, positioning alumni well for the state's finance sector anchored by Citibank's major operations. The five Christian colleges here span a wide earnings spectrum from $48,179 to $59,217, reflecting different career paths in a state with no income tax burden on graduates. Mount Marty University and University of Sioux Falls both achieve 60% graduation rates despite vastly different net prices of $23,295 and $20,874 respectively. Dakota Wesleyan offers the most affordable path at $19,300 net cost, while smaller institutions like 36-student Kairos University provide specialized educational approaches. These schools serve students across agriculture-rich regions and urban centers like Sioux Falls, connecting faith-based education to South Dakota's growing healthcare and financial services industries.
5
Schools
$22,048
Avg. Net Price
$53,911
Avg. Earnings
60.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Christian Colleges in South Dakota

College listings
# School Affiliation Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Evangelical Lutheran 1,818 $24,723 75.6%
2 American Baptist 1,258 $20,874 60.5%
3 Roman Catholic 702 $23,295 60.6%
4 United Methodist 661 $19,300 46.4%
5 North American Baptist 36

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Augustana University stand out among South Dakota's Christian colleges?

Augustana maintains the most selective admissions at 65.79% acceptance and delivers the highest graduate earnings at $59,217. With 1,818 students, it combines substantial enrollment with strong academic outcomes, achieving a 75.6% graduation rate that leads all Christian institutions in the state.

How do costs vary across South Dakota's Christian colleges?

Net prices range from Dakota Wesleyan's affordable $19,300 to Augustana's $24,723, creating a $5,423 difference. University of Sioux Falls falls in the middle at $20,874, while Mount Marty charges $23,295, giving families multiple price points for Christian higher education.

Is graduation rate performance consistent across these institutions?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from Dakota Wesleyan's 46.4% to Augustana's leading 75.6%. Mount Marty and University of Sioux Falls both achieve solid 60% rates, demonstrating that mid-sized Christian colleges can maintain strong completion rates with proper student support systems.

Does enrollment size affect outcomes at South Dakota's Christian colleges?

Larger schools show mixed results. Augustana's 1,818 students achieve top performance, while University of Sioux Falls with 1,258 students maintains respectable outcomes. Smaller institutions like Mount Marty (702 students) and Dakota Wesleyan (661 students) offer more intimate educational experiences with varying success rates.

Where do graduates typically find employment in South Dakota's economy?

Graduate earnings from $48,179 to $59,217 align well with South Dakota's major employers including Citibank's financial operations and expanding healthcare systems. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings while serving agricultural communities and growing urban centers.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.