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Urban Colleges in South Dakota

8 schools in South Dakota. See our methodology.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates earn $72,257 annually, the highest among the state's 8 urban colleges. This engineering-focused institution in Rapid City accepts 82.69% of applicants while maintaining strong outcomes in a state where Citibank and other major employers seek technical talent. The cost spectrum varies dramatically, from Western Dakota Technical College's $14,631 net price to Augustana University's $24,723. Graduation rates tell an equally varied story, ranging from California Intercontinental University's concerning 10.2% to Augustana's solid 75.6%. Technical colleges like Southeast Technical in Sioux Falls produce graduates earning $46,709, aligning well with South Dakota's growing healthcare and finance sectors. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, making even moderate starting salaries more attractive than comparable positions elsewhere.
8
Schools
$19,977
Avg. Net Price
$51,712
Avg. Earnings
52.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in South Dakota

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Small 2,042 $20,380 58.2%
2 City-Midsize 2,164 $17,165 50.8%
3 City-Small 733 $14,631 53.1%
4 City-Midsize 1,818 $24,723 75.6%
5 City-Small 832 $22,086 60.0%
6 City-Midsize 1,258 $20,874 60.5%
7 City-Midsize 141 10.2%
8 City-Midsize 36

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Dakota School of Mines and Technology stand out financially?

Graduates earn $72,257 annually, nearly $13,000 more than the second-highest earner among urban colleges. The school maintains an 82.69% acceptance rate while delivering strong return on investment at $20,380 net cost, making it accessible yet financially rewarding.

How do technical colleges compare to traditional universities in South Dakota cities?

Technical colleges offer lower costs and focused training. Western Dakota Technical charges just $14,631 net with 53.1% graduation rate, while Southeast Technical graduates earn $46,709. Both outperform some four-year institutions in job market preparation.

Is Augustana University worth its higher price tag?

At $24,723 net cost, Augustana delivers the highest graduation rate at 75.6% and solid earnings of $59,217. The selective 65.79% acceptance rate indicates academic rigor, justifying the premium for students seeking traditional liberal arts education.

Does South Dakota's job market support college graduates effectively?

Major employers like Citibank in Sioux Falls create finance opportunities, while healthcare growth statewide supports technical program graduates. The state's zero income tax policy means graduates keep more earnings, with ranges from $37,325 to $72,257.

Where should students focus their college search in South Dakota cities?

Rapid City offers both technical training at Western Dakota Technical and engineering excellence at SD Mines. Sioux Falls provides broader options from Augustana's liberal arts to Southeast Technical's career programs, serving 2,164 students annually.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.