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University of South Dakota vs University of Sioux Falls: 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

University of Sioux Falls has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,532 in 13.9 years versus 22.3 years at University of South Dakota, on median earnings of $54,521 vs $51,926 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of South DakotaUniversity of Sioux Falls
Net price / yr$19,858$21,383
Total net cost$79,432$85,532
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,926$54,521
Median debt$23,592$23,249
Payback22.3 yrs13.9 yrs
20-year net return-$8,112$37,688

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

Which is cheaper, University of South Dakota or University of Sioux Falls?

University of South Dakota, at $19,858 a year after aid versus $21,383 — a gap of $1,525 a year, or $6,100 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 University of Sioux Falls graduates earn more?

University of Sioux Falls graduates report a median $54,521 ten years after entry, $2,595 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 University of Sioux Falls?

University of Sioux Falls: its completers carry a median $23,249 in federal loans versus $23,592 at University of South Dakota, a difference of $343. 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 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 University of Sioux Falls: frequently asked questions

Is University of South Dakota or University of Sioux Falls a better value?
University of Sioux Falls. It clears its $85,532 net cost in about 13.9 years versus 22.3 years at University of South Dakota, on median earnings of $54,521 vs $51,926 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of South Dakota or University of Sioux Falls?
University of South Dakota: $19,858/yr net price after aid versus $21,383/yr at University of Sioux Falls — a difference of $1,525 a year, or about $6,100 over four years.
Do University of South Dakota or University of Sioux Falls graduates earn more?
University of Sioux Falls graduates earn a median $54,521 ten years after entry, versus $51,926 at University of South Dakota — a $2,595 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.