Colleges in South Dakota

South Dakota, also known as the Mount Rushmore State for the national monument, is in the midwest region. Most of the population lives in the eastern region, but colleges in South Dakota are all over. There are 22, and many are public or private not-for-profit institutions. The University of South Dakota is the oldest in the state, as well as the second largest. The most selective is Presentation College. Agriculture, ranching, defense, and tourism are the primary industries of the state, whereas Mount Rushmore tops the attractions list. Other points of interest include the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial, Badlands National Park, Pinnacles Overlook, and the sculpture “Dignity.”

Brookings, SD

Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is a 4-year public school in eastern South Dakota and the state’s largest university. The oldest institution of higher education in South Dakota, SDSU awards bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic...

“…

SDSU has a great environment set up for learning and getting to that boring part of college we all dread...studying. The fact that most of the people in my dorm (Matthews) were involved in the same things as I am meant they were in a lot of my...

” – Joshua from Madison, SD

average act composite

1136

average sat composite

87%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$19,252

average net price

11,465

number of students

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University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota is the state’s oldest public university and is a designated R2 research university by the Carnegie Foundation. The Vermillion campus is located along the bluffs of the Missouri River and home to seven...

“…

From day one the teachers are really excited about teaching. Many professors, while not able to get to know students in class, welcome office visits with open arms. The class variety makes it easy to explore options and get a taste of other majors...

” – Anne

average act composite

1118

average sat composite

87%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$18,555

average net price

9,464

number of students

Save to list

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD

Black Hills State University is a 4-year liberal arts institution situated on 123 acres of land in Spearfish, South Dakota. Through its three colleges, BHSU offers more than 120 majors and minors, as well as three honors tracks. Students can complete...

“…

I've only been here at Black Hills State for 2 months, however I have been learning a lot and the classes and class sizes are very accomidating and not too long or overcrowded.

” – LeeSah from Spearfish, SD

average act composite

1083

average sat composite

97%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$16,706

average net price

3,539

number of students

Save to list

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD

Founded in 1860, Augustana is a selective university located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and affiliated with the Lutheran Church. Offering more than 100 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs for undergraduates, plus graduate degrees and...

“…

Each professor strives to utilize text, lecture, and assignments to ensure each student truly dives into the subject matter. What truly sets Augustana College above and beyond on this level is the attention to the ideas that unite the disciplines. I...

” – Mallory from Yankton, SD

average act composite

1248

average sat composite

72%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$24,072

average net price

2,022

number of students

Save to list

Dakota State University

Madison, SD

Founded as a teacher training academy in the days when the Dakotas were still a territory, Dakota State University is a public technology-focused institution in eastern South Dakota. Dakota State confers undergrad degrees in over 45 areas of study...

“…

With so much of our society becoming dependent on the use of computers in the work place, I am happy that I chose a college in which computer usage is a primary part of the curriculum. Going into education I had not really thought about needing...

” – Cera from Sioux Falls, SD

average act composite

1122

average sat composite

84%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$17,861

average net price

3,186

number of students

Save to list

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD

Northern State University is a 4-year public school located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. NSU was named one of 10 colleges and universities with affordable out-of-state tuition by US News & World Report and USA Today College named Aberdeen the second...

“…

I am learning everything I had hoped to as a college Freshman. The faculty here is not only more than qualified but because NSU is such a small campus, students here are more than just a number. Every professor genuinely cares about his/her students...

” – Megan from Scranton, ND

average act composite

1118

average sat composite

80%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$15,851

average net price

3,340

number of students

Save to list

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD

Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Dakota Wesleyan University is a 4-year institution in the southeast region of South Dakota. For all incoming students looking to discover their academic path, DWU’s online Clifton StrengthsFinder helps...

“…

The classes are challenging anc the teachers are very helpful. If you're not getting something, they'll work with you until you do.

” – Leah from Iroquois, SD

average act composite

1092

average sat composite

76%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$21,574

average net price

926

number of students

Save to list

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD

Founded in 1883, the University of Sioux Falls is a Christian liberal arts university located in the heart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city. USF’s Christ-centered institution offers more than 100 academic programs for undergraduate...

“…

The University of Sioux Falls is an incredible school of academics, opportunities, and community. I cannot have imagined starting my life anywhere else. I'm not a number, but a student; not a statistic, by a searching and seeking soul; not just a...

” – Lindsey from Colton, SD

average act composite

1136

average sat composite

77%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$19,893

average net price

1,625

number of students

Save to list

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a university located in the Mount Rushmore region. The institution was founded in 1885 to train students in the skilled trade of mining, and now offers a variety disciplines in the sciences. SD Mines...

“…

I have already gained alot of knowledge and it's only the end of the first semester. I'm studying for geology and took earth science in high school so I expected that I would know most of what we learned in physical geology but I really learned a lot...

” – Rebecca from Rapid City, SD

average act composite

1266

average sat composite

80%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$19,815

average net price

2,416

number of students

Save to list

Presentation College

Aberdeen, SD

Presentation College is a 4-year Catholic school, but it welcomes students of all faiths to its Aberdeen, South Dakota campus. Presentation confers degrees in 15 academic departments, with five of these programs available online. Campus Ministry...

average act composite

1045

average sat composite

94%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$22,090

average net price

577

number of students

Save to list

Mount Marty University

Yankton, SD

Mount Marty College offers a liberal arts education with an emphasis on the values of its Benedictine and Catholic affiliation from its scenic hilltop overlooking the Missouri River in Yankton, South Dakota. The college was founded by the Sisters of...

average act composite

1072

average sat composite

67%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$19,422

average net price

1,236

number of students

Save to list

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD

Southeast Technical Institute is a 2-year technical and vocational school in Sioux Falls. Southeast Tech is home to ten academic departments hosting over 60 degree and certificate-granting programs. For students who desire the opportunity to learn a...

“…

A great place to learn and be accepted. Quick, fast, and right to the job, only having to learn what you need to learn. Hands on learning with teachers to help you succeed.

” – Brianna from Sioux Falls, SD

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$14,633

average net price

2,381

number of students

Colleges in South Dakota

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