Oglala Lakota College: $2,684 Tuition

$2,684Tuition

1,156Students

12%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$22,517Earnings

#17 in South DakotaPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About Oglala Lakota College

Oglala Lakota College serves as the higher education centerpiece for the Oglala Lakota Nation, preserving indigenous culture while preparing students for modern careers. This tribal college enrolls 1,156 students in the heart of Pine Ridge Reservation. The institution focuses on culturally relevant education that honors Lakota traditions alongside academic disciplines. Nearly all students (98.63%) come from South Dakota, creating a tight-knit community rooted in shared heritage. Women make up 72.32% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong appeal to Native American women seeking educational opportunities close to home.

Students pay remarkably little for their education, with an average net price of just $2,065 after aid. The total cost of attendance reaches only $11,084, making this one of America's most affordable colleges. However, graduates face economic challenges typical of reservation communities, earning a median of $22,517 ten years after graduation. The investment still pays off for many students who gain valuable skills while staying connected to their cultural roots.

The college maintains an intimate learning environment with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Graduation rates remain low at 11.5% over six years, reflecting the complex socioeconomic challenges students face. The Bravehearts compete in athletics while the institution continues its mission of educational sovereignty for the Lakota people.

Academics & Faculty

Oglala Lakota College serves as one of 37 tribal colleges in the United States, focusing on culturally relevant education for the Oglala Lakota Nation. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides intimate classroom settings where professors know students personally. However, the 11.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the significant challenges many students face, including poverty and family responsibilities on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The college offers degrees in Lakota Studies, business, and education, with programs designed to preserve Native culture while preparing students for modern careers. Students benefit from classes taught in both English and Lakota language. The curriculum emphasizes traditional knowledge alongside contemporary skills needed for tribal leadership and community development.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 61.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 9.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 11.5%
Retention Rate: 53.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $22,517
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

The Pine Ridge Reservation stretches across remote South Dakota grasslands, hours from any major city. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack heavy coats for the long, snowy months. Only about 3% of the 1,156 students live in the limited on-campus housing of 35 beds. Most students commute from reservation communities or nearby towns.

Nearly 99% of students come from South Dakota, creating a tight-knit community rooted in Lakota culture and traditions. Women make up 72% of the student body, reflecting higher college attendance rates among Native American women. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and often serve as mentors beyond academics. Weekend activities center around cultural events, powwows, and community gatherings rather than traditional college parties. Students often balance coursework with family responsibilities and jobs in their home communities. The college serves as both an educational institution and cultural preservation center, where traditional Lakota knowledge integrates with modern academic programs. Campus life moves at a slower pace than urban colleges, emphasizing community connection over individual achievement.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 35 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1971

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 10°–37°F
July Avg: 58°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 18.5"
Annual Snowfall: 34.4"

Student Demographics

This tribal college draws almost exclusively from South Dakota, with 98.6% of students coming from in-state. The student body is 72% women, reflecting strong interest in the college's education and social work programs that serve Native communities. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves lower-income families on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The demographic makeup mirrors the college's mission as one of the nation's tribal colleges, specifically serving the Oglala Lakota Nation and surrounding communities with culturally relevant higher education.

Men: 27.7%
Women: 72.3%
White: 1.7%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.4%
Asian: 0.1%
In-State Students: 98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.9%

Location

Kyle sits in the heart of South Dakota's Pine Ridge Reservation, roughly 120 miles southeast of Rapid City. The campus serves a remote rural area where 98.63% of students come from in-state. This is genuine frontier country, with rolling grasslands stretching toward the Badlands and Black Hills. The reservation spans over 2 million acres, making it one of the largest in the United States. Students experience the isolation and beauty of the Great Plains, where the nearest town of any size requires a significant drive. The setting reflects the college's mission to serve the Oglala Lakota Nation in their ancestral homeland. Students considering colleges in South Dakota may also compare Oglala Lakota College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Kyle, South Dakota 57752-0490

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $22,517
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,534
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $18,400

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oglala Lakota College unique among higher education institutions?

This tribal college serves the Oglala Lakota Nation on the Pine Ridge Reservation in rural South Dakota. With 98.63% of students coming from in-state, it primarily educates members of the local Native American community. The student body is 72.32% women, reflecting strong female participation in tribal higher education.

How much does Oglala Lakota College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $2,065 after aid, making this one of the most affordable colleges in America. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition costs $2,684, with no difference for residency status. Nearly half of students (46.90%) receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need in the community.

What is the academic experience like at Oglala Lakota College?

Students benefit from small class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio among the 1,156 enrolled. However, retention presents challenges, with only 53.57% of students returning for their second year. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on culturally relevant education for tribal students.

What are the graduation rates at Oglala Lakota College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 11.50%, while the four-year rate is 9.77%. These rates reflect the unique challenges facing students on the reservation, including economic hardship and family responsibilities. Despite low graduation rates, the college plays a crucial role in providing accessible higher education to the Oglala Lakota community.

Where do students live at Oglala Lakota College?

Campus housing is extremely limited, with capacity for only 35 students and room and board costing $7,200. Most students commute from the surrounding Pine Ridge Reservation communities. The rural-remote setting in Kyle, South Dakota, means students are deeply connected to their tribal homeland while pursuing education.

How do Oglala Lakota College graduates fare in the job market?

Graduates achieve an impressive 89.4% employment rate, showing strong job placement despite economic challenges on the reservation. However, median earnings after 10 years are $22,517, reflecting the limited economic opportunities in the rural area. The college prioritizes preparing students to serve their community while developing job skills.