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

Public, Vermillion SD · vs · Public, Madison SD

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

The verdict

University of South Dakota has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $79,432 in 22.3 years versus 32.3 years at Dakota State University, on median earnings of $51,926 vs $50,970 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of South DakotaDakota State University
Net price / yr$19,858$21,057
Total net cost$79,432$84,228
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,926$50,970
Median debt$23,592$23,500
Payback22.3 yrs32.3 yrs
20-year net return-$8,112-$32,028

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

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

University of South Dakota, at $19,858 a year after aid versus $21,057 — a gap of $1,199 a year, or $4,796 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 Dakota State University graduates earn more?

University of South Dakota graduates report a median $51,926 ten years after entry, $956 more than the $50,970 at 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, University of South Dakota or Dakota State University?

Dakota State University: its completers carry a median $23,500 in federal loans versus $23,592 at University of South Dakota, a difference of $92. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

60% of students finish at University of South Dakota, against 51% at 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.

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

Is University of South Dakota or Dakota State University a better value?
University of South Dakota. It clears its $79,432 net cost in about 22.3 years versus 32.3 years at Dakota State University, on median earnings of $51,926 vs $50,970 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of South Dakota or Dakota State University?
University of South Dakota: $19,858/yr net price after aid versus $21,057/yr at Dakota State University — a difference of $1,199 a year, or about $4,796 over four years.
Do University of South Dakota or Dakota State University graduates earn more?
University of South Dakota graduates earn a median $51,926 ten years after entry, versus $50,970 at Dakota State University — a $956 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.