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NCAA Division II Colleges in South Dakota

5 schools in South Dakota. See our methodology.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates earn $72,257 annually, making it the state's highest-earning Division II institution despite costing just $20,380 per year. This engineering-focused school in Rapid City reflects South Dakota's growing tech sector and mining industry connections. The state's five Division II colleges span from Black Hills State's open-door policy with 96.6% acceptance to Augustana University's selective 65.8% admission rate and 75.6% graduation rate. With no state income tax, South Dakota becomes particularly attractive for college graduates entering fields like healthcare and finance. Major employers including Citibank's operations create direct pathways for graduates. Northern State and Black Hills State keep costs under $18,000 annually, while private options like Augustana and University of Sioux Falls offer smaller class sizes in Sioux Falls. Graduation rates vary significantly from 38.6% to 75.6%, often correlating with admission selectivity and institutional resources across these colleges serving rural and urban communities.
5
Schools
$20,014
Avg. Net Price
$56,057
Avg. Earnings
57.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division II Colleges in South Dakota

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 2,042 $20,380 58.2% 82.7%
2 1,818 $24,723 75.6% 65.8%
3 1,258 $20,874 60.5% 76.0%
4 1,239 $17,094 52.2% 78.1%
5 1,935 $17,001 38.6% 96.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Dakota School of Mines graduates earn significantly more than other Division II schools?

Engineering and technology programs at SD Mines produce graduates earning $72,257 annually, nearly $25,000 more than the next highest school. The specialized STEM curriculum aligns with South Dakota's mining, energy, and technology sectors, creating direct career pathways in high-demand fields.

How do graduation rates compare across South Dakota's Division II colleges?

Graduation rates range from 38.6% at Black Hills State to 75.6% at Augustana University. Private institutions generally show higher completion rates, with Augustana and University of Sioux Falls both exceeding 60%, while public universities average around 50% completion.

Is attending college in South Dakota financially advantageous due to tax benefits?

South Dakota's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, effectively increasing the value of their degrees. With net costs ranging from $17,001 to $24,723, students can minimize debt while maximizing post-graduation income retention.

Does Sioux Falls offer better opportunities for Division II college students?

Two of the state's five Division II schools operate in Sioux Falls, the largest city. Augustana University and University of Sioux Falls benefit from proximity to healthcare systems, financial services including Citibank operations, and internship opportunities in the urban center.

Where can students find the most accessible Division II education in South Dakota?

Black Hills State University accepts 96.6% of applicants with the lowest net cost at $17,001 annually. Northern State University also maintains high accessibility with 78.1% acceptance and $17,094 net cost, serving students across rural South Dakota communities.

Related

NCAA Division II Colleges Nationally All Colleges in South Dakota Cheapest Programs in South Dakota

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.