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South Dakota State University vs University of South Dakota: which has better ROI?

Public, Brookings SD · vs · Public, Vermillion SD

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

The verdict

South Dakota State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $79,364 in 11.8 years versus 22.3 years at University of South Dakota, on median earnings of $55,070 vs $51,926 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouth Dakota State UniversityUniversity of South Dakota
Net price / yr$19,841$19,858
Total net cost$79,364$79,432
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,070$51,926
Median debt$23,250$23,592
Payback11.8 yrs22.3 yrs
20-year net return$54,836-$8,112

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 South Dakota?

South Dakota State University, at $19,841 a year after aid versus $19,858 — a gap of $17 a year, or $68 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 South Dakota graduates earn more?

South Dakota State University graduates report a median $55,070 ten years after entry, $3,144 more than the $51,926 at University of South Dakota. 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 South Dakota?

South Dakota State University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $23,592 at University of South Dakota, a difference of $342. 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 60% at University of South Dakota. 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.

South Dakota State University vs University of South Dakota: frequently asked questions

Is South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota a better value?
South Dakota State University. It clears its $79,364 net cost in about 11.8 years versus 22.3 years at University of South Dakota, on median earnings of $55,070 vs $51,926 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota?
South Dakota State University: $19,841/yr net price after aid versus $19,858/yr at University of South Dakota — a difference of $17 a year, or about $68 over four years.
Do South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota graduates earn more?
South Dakota State University graduates earn a median $55,070 ten years after entry, versus $51,926 at University of South Dakota — a $3,144 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.