At $20,874/yr net price, University of Sioux Falls graduates earn $54,521/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,521/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,874 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,496 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,521/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,521/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,249 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,733/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,406/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,201/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,244/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,609/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,771 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,173 | $25,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,432 | $16,185 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,513 | $19,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $44,021 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,729 | $22,958 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 | $26,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,221 | $20,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $31,670 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
60.5% of students at University of Sioux Falls graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Sioux Falls delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. Business and nursing graduates earn solid returns with median salaries around $60,000, while education majors face a tougher financial reality at $48,432 annually.
The school's biggest financial weakness is its 60% graduation rate, meaning four out of ten students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. Your risk of non-completion is significant, and the 75% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause many students to transfer or drop out after freshman year.
Business Administration offers the strongest ROI with $60,771 median earnings against $20,500 in debt. Nursing graduates earn $58,173 with slightly higher debt at $25,000, but both programs justify their costs in South Dakota's job market. Education majors face the weakest financial outlook, earning $48,432 with debt loads that make loan repayment challenging on teacher salaries.
The school works best financially if you can complete your degree and choose business or nursing. The relatively low median debt of $23,249 helps, but only if you graduate. With just 29% of students receiving aid, most families pay close to the full net price of $20,874 annually.
Skip University of Sioux Falls if you plan to study education or have concerns about completing college. The combination of moderate completion rates and weak teacher pay makes education programs particularly risky here. Consider this school only if you're committed to business or nursing and confident you'll finish your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Sioux Falls worth the cost?
University of Sioux Falls offers decent value with a net price of $20,874 and 10-year earnings of $54,521. The relatively low debt burden of $23,249 helps offset the moderate earnings compared to national averages.
What are the best paying majors at University of Sioux Falls?
Business Administration leads with $60,771 average earnings, followed by Nursing at $58,173. Education and Accounting programs show lower returns around $47,000-$48,000.
How much debt do University of Sioux Falls graduates have?
Median debt is $23,249, which is manageable given the school's net price. This debt level is reasonable for most career paths, especially the higher-paying business and nursing programs.
What is University of Sioux Falls graduation rate?
The graduation rate is 60.5%, meaning about 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially given the time and money investment.