Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Schools in South Dakota

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Schools in South Dakota

28 Schools Ranked
$42,570 Average Earnings
$27,747 Avg Student Debt

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Schools in South Dakota ranking. Our analysis looked at 28 schools in South Dakota to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota
2,586 Total Awards
$45,741 Average Earnings
$24,048 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found South Dakota State University to be the most popular school for students in South Dakota. South Dakota State University is a fairly large public school located in Brookings, South Dakota that handed out 2,586 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,048 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $173, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, South Dakota State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,741 during the early year of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on South Dakota State University

#2

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota
2,185 Total Awards
$48,161 Average Earnings
$26,040 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of South Dakota. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Dakota list. Vermillion, South Dakota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,185 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,040 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $156. Once they receive their degree, USD graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,161 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Full University of South Dakota Report

#3

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
878 Total Awards
$39,912 Average Earnings
$20,379 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Southeast Technical College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in South Dakota list. Sioux Falls, South Dakota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 878 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Southeast Tech accumulate an average of $20,379 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Southeast Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,912 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#4

Lake Area Technical Institute

Watertown, South Dakota
864 Total Awards
$36,525 Average Earnings
$16,395 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Lake Area Technical Institute. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in South Dakota list. Lake Area Technical Institute is a small public school located in Watertown, South Dakota that handed out 864 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from LATI accumulate an average of $16,395 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $115 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, LATI graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,525 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Read full report on Lake Area Technical Institute

#5

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
688 Total Awards
$40,631 Average Earnings
$26,115 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 28 schools in South Dakota that were part of this year’s ranking, Augustana University landed the # 5 spot on the list. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 688 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,115 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Augustana Sioux Falls graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,631 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read More…

#6

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota
598 Total Awards
$49,355 Average Earnings
$28,216 Avg Student Debt

Dakota State University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Dakota ranking. Dakota State is a small public school situated in Madison, South Dakota. It awarded 598 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,216 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Dakota State graduates make an average of $49,355 annually. Around 30% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#7

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, South Dakota
585 Total Awards
$34,476 Average Earnings
$24,854 Avg Student Debt

Black Hills State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #7 on the list. Black Hills State University is a small public school located in Spearfish, South Dakota that handed out 585 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,854 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, BHSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,476 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#9

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
532 Total Awards
$40,299 Average Earnings
$24,830 Avg Student Debt

University of Sioux Falls landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. University of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It awarded 532 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,830 in student loans.After graduating from University of Sioux Falls, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,299 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#10

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, South Dakota
514 Total Awards
$64,929 Average Earnings
$25,551 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This small public school is located in Rapid City, South Dakota, and it awarded 514 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,551 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $251 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, SD Mines graduates make an average of $64,929 annually. Around 23% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#11

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, South Dakota
474 Total Awards
$40,678 Average Earnings
$14,782 Avg Student Debt

Mitchell Technical College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Mitchell, South Dakota, the small public school awarded 474 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,782 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $156 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Mitchell Tech graduates make an average of $40,678 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 28% were women.

Read full report on Mitchell Technical College

#12

Western Dakota Technical Institute

Rapid City, South Dakota
424 Total Awards
$37,539 Average Earnings
$19,757 Avg Student Debt

Western Dakota Technical Institute ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Dakota list. Located in Rapid City, South Dakota, the small public school handed out 424 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,757 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Western Dakota Tech graduates make an average of $37,539 annually. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Western Dakota Technical Institute

#13

Northern State University

Aberdeen, South Dakota
382 Total Awards
$38,422 Average Earnings
$28,374 Avg Student Debt

Northern State University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Dakota ranking. Aberdeen, South Dakota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 382 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,374 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, NSU graduates make an average of $38,422 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read More…

#14

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, South Dakota
225 Total Awards
$50,275 Average Earnings
$30,274 Avg Student Debt

Dakota Wesleyan University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Mitchell, South Dakota is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 225 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $30,274 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Dakota Wesleyan University graduates make an average of $50,275 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Dakota Wesleyan University Report

#15

Mount Marty University

Yankton, South Dakota
219 Total Awards
$80,285 Average Earnings
$31,631 Avg Student Debt

Mount Marty University landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Yankton, South Dakota, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 219 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $31,631 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Mount Marty graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $80,285 during the early year of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#16

Presentation College

Aberdeen, South Dakota
173 Total Awards
$51,279 Average Earnings
$43,547 Avg Student Debt

Presentation College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and it awarded 173 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $43,547 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Presentation College graduates make an average of $51,279 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Read More…

#17

Oglala Lakota College

Kyle, South Dakota
163 Total Awards
$42,569 Average Earnings
$9,450 Avg Student Debt

Oglala Lakota College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Dakota list. Located in Kyle, South Dakota, the small public school awarded 163 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $9,450 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Oglala Lakota College graduates make an average of $42,569 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Full Oglala Lakota College Report

#18

Stewart School

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
100 Total Awards
$21,923 Average Earnings
$13,327 Avg Student Debt

Stewart School did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. Stewart School is a very small private for-profit school situated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It awarded 100 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Stewart School accumulate an average of $13,327 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $58 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Stewart School graduates make an average of $21,923 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 99% were women.

Full Stewart School Report

#19

Sioux Falls Seminary

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
54 Total Awards

Sioux Falls Seminary did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #19 on the list. North American Baptist Seminary is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It awarded 54 degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 35% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Sioux Falls Seminary

#20

Black Hills Beauty College

Rapid City, South Dakota
49 Total Awards
$21,146 Average Earnings
$15,011 Avg Student Debt

Black Hills Beauty College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in South Dakota list. Black Hills Beauty College is a private for-profit institution located in Rapid City, South Dakota. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 49 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,011 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Black Hills Beauty College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $21,146 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 98% were women.

Full Black Hills Beauty College Report

#21

Headlines Academy Inc

Rapid City, South Dakota
47 Total Awards
$14,756 Average Earnings
$12,213 Avg Student Debt

Headlines Academy Inc came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Dakota ranking. This very small private for-profit school is located in Rapid City, South Dakota, and it awarded 47 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,213 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Headlines Academy Inc graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $14,756 during the early year of their career. Around 94% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Headlines Academy Inc

#23

Sisseton Wahpeton College

Sisseton, South Dakota
22 Total Awards

Sisseton Wahpeton College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Sisseton Wahpeton College is a very small public school located in Sisseton, South Dakota that handed out 22 degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Sisseton Wahpeton College

#24

Sanford Medical Center

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
13 Total Awards

Sanford Medical Center came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in South Dakota ranking. Sanford Medical Center is a private not-for-profit institution located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 13 degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

12 Total Awards

Avera McKennan Hospital School of Radiologic Technology landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 12 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

Most Popular Schools in the Plains States Region

View Most Popular Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.