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 sits in the middle of the pack financially. You pay about $21,000 a year net, graduate with debt near the median for four-year schools, and earn around $55,000 ten years out. That covers the debt without much strain, but it won't make you rich. The 60% graduation rate is the bigger risk: if you're among the 40% who don't finish, you carry the cost without the credential that pays it back.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays over $58,000 and feeds directly into Sioux Falls' hospital-heavy job market, where Sanford and Avera anchor local employment. Accounting and human resources also clear reasonable ground. The problem is on the other end. Teacher education pays about $37,000 but leaves you with the highest program debt on the list, around $26,500. That combination is rough. Business administration lands in the same low-$36,000 range. If you're paying private-college prices for one of these degrees, the math gets tight fast.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families and penalize wealthier ones, which is normal. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $16,000-$17,000 a year. Above $110,000, you're closer to $23,600. What stands out is how flat the curve is: even the lowest tier still pays over $17,000, so aid here softens the price but doesn't slash it.
This school fits you if you're going into nursing or you want a smaller private campus in the Sioux Falls region and can finish in four years. Look elsewhere if you're aiming at teaching or general business and would take on full debt to do it. In those cases a cheaper public option gives you the same salary for less money.
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.