At $20,380/yr net price, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates earn $72,257/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $38,257/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,380 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $72,257/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$38,257/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,481/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,330/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,041/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,496/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,179/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,953 | $27,164 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,789 | $25,500 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $25,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,523 | $27,000 |
| Geological/Geophysical Engineering. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
The Risk Factor
58.2% of students at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology delivers strong returns for engineering students but requires careful program selection to maximize your investment. The median graduate earns $72,257 ten years after enrollment, well above the national average for public universities, while carrying manageable debt loads around $27,000.
Mining and mineral engineering leads earnings at nearly $75,000, reflecting the school's specialized focus and regional demand in resource extraction industries. Chemical and mechanical engineering also perform well, with graduates earning in the upper $60,000s. Computer science lags behind other technical programs at $61,020, which may signal weaker industry connections compared to the school's traditional engineering strengths.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 58% graduation rate. Nearly half of students who start here don't finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 84% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so early, making your first-year performance critical for long-term success.
This school works best if you're committed to engineering or mining-related fields and can handle the technical coursework. The specialized programs create strong regional job placement, particularly in the Dakotas and Wyoming energy sectors. However, you should look elsewhere if you want broader career options or might switch to non-technical majors.
Only 16% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial support for lower-income families. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-earning program, as the school's value proposition depends entirely on finishing with marketable technical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Dakota School of Mines and Technology worth the cost?
South Dakota School of Mines delivers solid ROI with graduates earning $72,257 after 10 years against $27,000 median debt. The engineering programs justify the $20,380 annual cost, though the 58% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
Which programs at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology have the best job prospects?
Mining and Mineral Engineering leads at $74,953 starting salary, followed by Chemical Engineering at $69,338. All engineering majors clear $60,000, making them worthwhile investments given the school's relatively low debt levels.
What is the average student debt at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
Graduates leave with $27,000 median debt, which is manageable given engineering salary outcomes. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, meaning debt without degree completion is a real risk.
How hard is it to get into South Dakota School of Mines and Technology?
With an 83% acceptance rate, admission is accessible for most applicants. The bigger challenge is completing the rigorous engineering curriculum, as only 58% of students graduate within six years.