South Dakota State University vs Southeast Technical College: which has better ROI?
South Dakota State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $79,364 in 11.8 years versus not at all at Southeast Technical College, on median earnings of $55,070 vs $46,709 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | South Dakota State University | Southeast Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,841 | $17,400 |
| Total net cost | $79,364 | $34,800 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,070 | $46,709 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $12,000 |
| Payback | 11.8 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $54,836 | -$67,820 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, South Dakota State University or Southeast Technical College?
Southeast Technical College, at $17,400 a year after aid versus $19,841 — a gap of $2,441 a year, or $44,564 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 Southeast Technical College graduates earn more?
South Dakota State University graduates report a median $55,070 ten years after entry, $8,361 more than the $46,709 at Southeast Technical College. 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 Southeast Technical College?
Southeast Technical College: its completers carry a median $12,000 in federal loans versus $23,250 at South Dakota State University, a difference of $11,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
62% of students finish at South Dakota State University, against 59% at Southeast Technical College. 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.