At $19,155/yr net price, University of South Dakota graduates earn $51,926/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,926/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,155 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $76,620 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,926/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,926/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,592 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,687/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,400/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,608/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,259/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,432/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $100,951 | $112,617 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $97,071 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,778 | $25,845 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $65,170 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $62,632 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $62,260 | $18,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $62,012 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,012 | |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $57,860 |
The Risk Factor
61.4% of students at University of South Dakota graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The University of South Dakota delivers mixed financial returns, with stark differences between career tracks that can make or break your investment. The school's $19,155 annual net price creates reasonable debt loads for most students, but your major choice will largely determine whether this investment pays off.
Allied health programs generate strong earnings at $100,951 annually, though you'll graduate with $112,617 in debt that requires careful financial planning. Educational administration and public administration also deliver strong returns above $70,000, making these programs financially sound choices. Business administration offers solid middle-ground returns at $68,778 with manageable $25,845 debt levels.
The school's 61% graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. Nearly four in ten students leave without degrees, forfeiting years of tuition payments and potential earnings. The 80% retention rate suggests many students who start here stay through sophomore year, but completion remains challenging.
You're a good financial fit here if you're pursuing allied health, education, or business programs and can handle the academic demands needed to graduate. South Dakota's job market supports these career paths, particularly in healthcare and public sector roles. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, so you'll likely pay close to sticker price unless you qualify for merit scholarships.
Avoid this school if you're undecided about your major or considering programs outside the high-earning tracks shown in the data. The graduation rate risk combined with South Dakota's limited job market in other fields makes this a questionable investment for students without clear career direction in the school's strongest programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Dakota worth the cost?
With a net price of $19,155 and median post-graduation earnings of $51,926, University of South Dakota offers decent value for students who graduate. The school's 61% graduation rate means significant dropout risk, but median debt of $23,592 is manageable for most career paths.
What are the highest paying majors at University of South Dakota?
Allied Health programs lead with median earnings of $100,951, followed by Educational Administration at $97,071. Business and rehabilitation programs earn $65,000-69,000, which provides solid returns on the relatively low tuition costs.
How much debt do University of South Dakota graduates typically have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $23,592, which is below the national average. Given the school's low net price of $19,155 per year, most students can complete their degree without excessive borrowing.
Does University of South Dakota have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by major, with healthcare and education administration graduates earning strong salaries above $90,000. The school's 99% acceptance rate and 61% graduation rate suggest academic support challenges that could affect career preparation.