The cost of college in South Dakota — and what it pays back
Across the 17 South Dakota institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $19,735/yr, $2,829 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $48,179 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 8 of the 17 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$19,735
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$48,179
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
12.9 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
8/17
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How South Dakota's 17 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong1
Solid1
Slow4
Weak11
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | $20,183 | $72,257 | 3.4 yrs |
| Augustana University | $23,894 | $59,217 | 8.8 yrs |
| Mitchell Technical College | $13,460 | $50,743 | 11.3 yrs |
| South Dakota State University | $19,841 | $55,070 | 11.8 yrs |
| University of Sioux Falls | $21,383 | $54,521 | 13.9 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oglala Lakota College | $1,895 | $22,517 | no payback |
| Western Dakota Technical College | $12,670 | $40,240 | no payback |
| Sinte Gleska University | $12,768 | $20,948 | no payback |
| Mitchell Technical College | $13,460 | $50,743 | 11.3 yrs |
| Northern State University | $15,812 | $47,618 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in South Dakota?
The median net price across South Dakota colleges is $19,735/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in South Dakota cheaper than the national average?
No — the median South Dakota net price of $19,735/yr runs about $2,829/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do South Dakota college graduates earn?
A median $48,179 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which South Dakota college pays for itself fastest?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology — about 3.4 years to clear its $80,732 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-south-dakota page.