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

Public, Vermillion 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

Augustana University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,576 in 8.8 years versus 22.3 years at University of South Dakota, on median earnings of $59,217 vs $51,926 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of South DakotaAugustana University
Net price / yr$19,858$23,894
Total net cost$79,432$95,576
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,926$59,217
Median debt$23,592$25,000
Payback22.3 yrs8.8 yrs
20-year net return-$8,112$121,564

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

Which is cheaper, University of South Dakota or Augustana University?

University of South Dakota, at $19,858 a year after aid versus $23,894 — a gap of $4,036 a year, or $16,144 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of South Dakota or Augustana University graduates earn more?

Augustana University graduates report a median $59,217 ten years after entry, $7,291 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, University of South Dakota or Augustana University?

University of South Dakota: its completers carry a median $23,592 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Augustana University, a difference of $1,408. 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 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.

University of South Dakota vs Augustana University: frequently asked questions

Is University of South Dakota or Augustana University a better value?
Augustana University. It clears its $95,576 net cost in about 8.8 years versus 22.3 years at University of South Dakota, on median earnings of $59,217 vs $51,926 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of South Dakota or Augustana University?
University of South Dakota: $19,858/yr net price after aid versus $23,894/yr at Augustana University — a difference of $4,036 a year, or about $16,144 over four years.
Do University of South Dakota or Augustana University graduates earn more?
Augustana University graduates earn a median $59,217 ten years after entry, versus $51,926 at University of South Dakota — a $7,291 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.