South Dakota State University vs Augustana University: which has better ROI?
Augustana University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,576 in 8.8 years versus 11.8 years at South Dakota State University, on median earnings of $59,217 vs $55,070 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | South Dakota State University | Augustana University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,841 | $23,894 |
| Total net cost | $79,364 | $95,576 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,070 | $59,217 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 11.8 yrs | 8.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $54,836 | $121,564 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, South Dakota State University or Augustana University?
South Dakota State University, at $19,841 a year after aid versus $23,894 — a gap of $4,053 a year, or $16,212 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do South Dakota State University or Augustana University graduates earn more?
Augustana University graduates report a median $59,217 ten years after entry, $4,147 more than the $55,070 at South 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, South Dakota State University or Augustana University?
South Dakota State University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Augustana University, a difference of $1,750. 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 62% at South 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.