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 gives you one of the clearest returns you'll find at a public university, because nearly every listed program is an engineering path that pays. Median earnings ten years out sit above $72,000, and that number holds up against debt near $27,000, which is roughly one year of post-graduation pay. For an engineering-focused school, that debt-to-earnings ratio works in your favor.
The payoff tracks your major closely. Mining and mineral engineering leads at about $75,000, and it carries some of the higher debt, but the earnings absorb it. Chemical and mechanical engineering both clear $67,000. Computer and information sciences sits at the bottom of the listed programs near $61,000, still a solid wage, but roughly $14,000 less than mining while carrying the same $27,000 debt load. If you enroll here, you're betting on engineering, and the school delivers on that bet.
The risk is narrow specialization. This is a technical school, so if you drop out of an engineering track or discover the coursework isn't for you, there's no cushion of cheaper liberal-arts majors to fall back on. The 58% graduation rate means a meaningful share of students don't finish, and unfinished engineering degrees leave you with debt and no salary bump. The 84% retention rate is more encouraging for your first year.
On cost, families earning under $30,000 pay about $15,500, versus roughly $22,000 for those over $110,000, a modest slide of under $7,000 across the whole income range. That flat curve means lower-income families get less of a break here than at schools with steeper aid tiers.
Enroll if you're committed to engineering or computing and can finish. Look elsewhere if you're undecided on your field.
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.