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Small Colleges in South Dakota

18 schools in South Dakota. See our methodology.

Technical colleges drive South Dakota's small college success story, with Mitchell Technical College leading at a 70.7% graduation rate and $50,743 median earnings. The state's 18 colleges under 5,000 students serve everyone from future engineers at South Dakota School of Mines earning $72,257 to students at tribal colleges like Oglala Lakota College where costs drop to just $2,065 annually. This range reflects South Dakota's economic reality, where healthcare systems, Citibank's major presence, and agricultural operations create demand for both high-tech specialists and community-focused graduates. Technical programs particularly shine here, with Lake Area Technical College in Watertown graduating 63.9% of students into careers averaging $45,473. The state's no-income-tax advantage helps stretch student budgets, though net costs still vary dramatically from $2,065 to $24,723 at Augustana University. Agriculture and financial services dominate the job market, making practical technical training as valuable as traditional four-year degrees. Three colleges achieve graduation rates above 60%, while acceptance rates remain accessible, ranging from 65.8% to 100%. This accessibility supports South Dakota's workforce development goals, particularly in healthcare and technology sectors where technical college graduates often out-earn university peers in starting salaries.
18
Schools
$16,059
Avg. Net Price
$45,542
Avg. Earnings
48.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in South Dakota

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 953 $13,650 70.7%
2 1,710 $14,826 63.9%
3 2,042 $20,380 58.2% 82.7%
4 2,164 $17,165 50.8%
5 733 $14,631 53.1%
6 1,818 $24,723 75.6% 65.8%
7 832 $22,086 60.0%
8 1,258 $20,874 60.5% 76.0%
9 1,239 $17,094 52.2% 78.1%
10 1,969 $19,725 49.3% 78.9%
11 702 $23,295 60.6% 68.4%
12 661 $19,300 46.4% 74.8%
13 1,935 $17,001 38.6% 96.6%
14 209 $3,050 13.0%
15 1,156 $2,065 11.5%
16 579 $7,075
17 141 10.2%
18 36 100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Dakota's technical colleges stand out from traditional universities?

Technical colleges achieve higher graduation rates and strong earnings outcomes. Mitchell Technical College graduates 70.7% of students with median earnings of $50,743, while Lake Area Technical College graduates 63.9% earning $45,473. These rates exceed many four-year institutions in the state, reflecting focused career preparation.

How do costs vary among South Dakota's small colleges?

Net costs range dramatically from $2,065 at Oglala Lakota College to $24,723 at Augustana University. Technical colleges typically cost $13,000-$17,000 annually, while private universities average $20,000-$25,000. Tribal colleges offer the most affordable option for eligible students at under $3,100.

Is South Dakota School of Mines worth the higher cost?

Graduates earn $72,257 median income, the highest among all small colleges in the state. At $20,380 net cost with a 58.2% graduation rate and 82.7% acceptance rate, it provides strong returns for engineering students entering South Dakota's growing technology and healthcare sectors.

Where do graduates typically find employment in South Dakota?

Major employers include healthcare systems, Citibank operations, and agricultural companies. The state's no-income-tax policy attracts financial services, while technical graduates often work in healthcare technology, agricultural engineering, and business services. Median earnings range from $20,948 to $72,257 depending on field.

Does college size affect graduation success in South Dakota?

Smaller technical colleges often outperform larger institutions. Mitchell Technical with 953 students achieves 70.7% graduation rates, while larger Black Hills State University with 1,935 students graduates only 38.6%. The focused approach of smaller colleges appears to benefit student completion rates significantly.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.