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

Public, Madison 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

University of Sioux Falls has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,532 in 13.9 years versus 32.3 years at Dakota State University, on median earnings of $54,521 vs $50,970 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureDakota State UniversityUniversity of Sioux Falls
Net price / yr$21,057$21,383
Total net cost$84,228$85,532
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,970$54,521
Median debt$23,500$23,249
Payback32.3 yrs13.9 yrs
20-year net return-$32,028$37,688

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

Which is cheaper, Dakota State University or University of Sioux Falls?

Dakota State University, at $21,057 a year after aid versus $21,383 — a gap of $326 a year, or $1,304 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Dakota State University or University of Sioux Falls graduates earn more?

University of Sioux Falls graduates report a median $54,521 ten years after entry, $3,551 more than the $50,970 at Dakota State University. 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, Dakota State University or University of Sioux Falls?

University of Sioux Falls: its completers carry a median $23,249 in federal loans versus $23,500 at Dakota State University, a difference of $251. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

63% of students finish at University of Sioux Falls, against 51% at Dakota State University. 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.

Dakota State University vs University of Sioux Falls: frequently asked questions

Is Dakota State University or University of Sioux Falls a better value?
University of Sioux Falls. It clears its $85,532 net cost in about 13.9 years versus 32.3 years at Dakota State University, on median earnings of $54,521 vs $50,970 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Dakota State University or University of Sioux Falls?
Dakota State University: $21,057/yr net price after aid versus $21,383/yr at University of Sioux Falls — a difference of $326 a year, or about $1,304 over four years.
Do Dakota State University or University of Sioux Falls graduates earn more?
University of Sioux Falls graduates earn a median $54,521 ten years after entry, versus $50,970 at Dakota State University — a $3,551 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.