At $18,219/yr net price, South Dakota State University graduates earn $55,070/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,070/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,219 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,876 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,070/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,070/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,517/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,297/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,811/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,424/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,048/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,014 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $92,277 | $53,543 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $74,845 | $21,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,576 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $67,660 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,322 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,124 | $23,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,860 | $23,500 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $56,776 | $21,185 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $56,234 | $26,500 |
The Risk Factor
59.6% of students at South Dakota State University 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 State University delivers solid financial returns for most students, with graduates earning more than double the national median despite relatively low debt loads. The university's strength lies in its professional programs and engineering disciplines, which consistently produce graduates who can quickly repay their educational investment.
Pharmacy stands out as the financial winner, generating six-figure salaries that justify any debt burden. Nursing graduates also command strong salaries, though the program carries higher debt loads that extend payback periods. Engineering programs offer excellent value propositions, with electrical and civil engineering graduates entering well-paying regional job markets without excessive borrowing.
Your biggest financial risk at SDSU involves program selection. While the university's median outcomes look respectable, earnings vary dramatically by major. Students choosing lower-earning programs may struggle with debt repayment in South Dakota's limited job market, where opportunities outside agriculture, healthcare, and engineering remain scarce.
SDSU works best financially for students committed to the university's strongest programs and comfortable staying in the region after graduation. The low net price makes it particularly attractive for middle-class families who might struggle with aid eligibility elsewhere. However, students seeking liberal arts educations or planning careers requiring major metropolitan job markets should consider whether the geographic limitations outweigh the cost savings.
The university's modest aid distribution suggests merit scholarships target specific achievements rather than broad need-based support. Students with strong academic records in STEM fields or healthcare should explore program-specific scholarships that could further improve an already reasonable cost structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Dakota State University worth the cost?
South Dakota State University offers reasonable value with a net price of $18,219 and median debt of $23,250, though the 10-year median earnings of $55,070 are below national averages. The payoff depends heavily on your major, with pharmacy and nursing programs leading to strong salaries while other fields may struggle to justify the investment.
What programs at South Dakota State University have the best ROI?
Pharmacy programs at South Dakota State University deliver the strongest returns with median earnings of $117,014, followed by nursing at $92,277. Engineering and computer science majors also see solid outcomes with salaries in the $67,000-$74,000 range, well above the university average.
How much debt do South Dakota State University graduates typically have?
South Dakota State University graduates carry a median debt load of $23,250, which is manageable compared to many universities. However, with median 10-year earnings of $55,070, debt-to-income ratios can be tight for graduates in lower-paying fields.
Does South Dakota State University provide good financial aid?
South Dakota State University keeps costs relatively low with a net price of $18,219 after aid, making it accessible for many families. The 86% acceptance rate means most students can get in, but the 60% graduation rate suggests many struggle to finish their programs.