Degree Dividend
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Augustana University vs University of Sioux Falls: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Sioux Falls SD · vs · Private nonprofit, Sioux Falls SD

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Augustana University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,576 in 8.8 years versus 13.9 years at University of Sioux Falls, on median earnings of $59,217 vs $54,521 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAugustana UniversityUniversity of Sioux Falls
Net price / yr$23,894$21,383
Total net cost$95,576$85,532
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,217$54,521
Median debt$25,000$23,249
Payback8.8 yrs13.9 yrs
20-year net return$121,564$37,688

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Augustana University or University of Sioux Falls?

University of Sioux Falls, at $21,383 a year after aid versus $23,894 — a gap of $2,511 a year, or $10,044 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Augustana University or University of Sioux Falls graduates earn more?

Augustana University graduates report a median $59,217 ten years after entry, $4,696 more than the $54,521 at University of Sioux Falls. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Augustana University or University of Sioux Falls?

University of Sioux Falls: its completers carry a median $23,249 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Augustana University, a difference of $1,751. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

73% of students finish at Augustana University, against 63% at University of Sioux Falls. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Augustana University vs University of Sioux Falls: frequently asked questions

Is Augustana University or University of Sioux Falls a better value?
Augustana University. It clears its $95,576 net cost in about 8.8 years versus 13.9 years at University of Sioux Falls, on median earnings of $59,217 vs $54,521 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Augustana University or University of Sioux Falls?
University of Sioux Falls: $21,383/yr net price after aid versus $23,894/yr at Augustana University — a difference of $2,511 a year, or about $10,044 over four years.
Do Augustana University or University of Sioux Falls graduates earn more?
Augustana University graduates earn a median $59,217 ten years after entry, versus $54,521 at University of Sioux Falls — a $4,696 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.