South Dakota State University vs University of Sioux Falls: 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 13.9 years at University of Sioux Falls, on median earnings of $55,070 vs $54,521 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | South Dakota State University | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,841 | $21,383 |
| Total net cost | $79,364 | $85,532 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,070 | $54,521 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $23,249 |
| Payback | 11.8 yrs | 13.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $54,836 | $37,688 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, South Dakota State University or University of Sioux Falls?
South Dakota State University, at $19,841 a year after aid versus $21,383 — a gap of $1,542 a year, or $6,168 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 University of Sioux Falls graduates earn more?
South Dakota State University graduates report a median $55,070 ten years after entry, $549 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, South Dakota State University or University of Sioux Falls?
University of Sioux Falls: its completers carry a median $23,249 in federal loans versus $23,250 at South Dakota State University, a difference of $1. 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 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.