2025 Best Online Colleges in South Dakota
Online degrees in South Dakota are flexible and easy to access for people who want to continue their education in fields such as healthcare, education, and business. Benefits include lower out-of-state tuition rates and the ability to balance studies with personal and professional responsibilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Dakota Wesleyan University and Dakota State University offer median graduate earnings of $62,465 and $60,110, respectively.
- Our selections for affordable South Dakota schools offer an average tuition of $10,643.
- South Dakota State University, in particular, stands out for affordability and has a high recommendation rate (90%) and a solid overall review rating (3.87 out of 5).
Although OnlineU typically uses a conventional ranking format, our methodology for highlighting colleges by state considers the different approaches students have when picking a school. This includes affordability, earnings potential, student satisfaction, and Honorable Mentions, presented in four distinct categories to help you make the best decision.
Best by Salary Score
Alumni salaries help prospective students identify the best long-term financial investments in schools. We use this data to create a Salary Score, giving letter grades where an A+ indicates higher alumni earnings compared to other schools. The best online schools in South Dakota have median earnings above $60,000.
Dakota Wesleyan University Dakota Wesleyan University Dakota Wesleyan University Dakota Wesleyan University
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Key Metrics:
- Salary Score: B+
- Median Earning: $62,465
Why We Like Them:
DWU excels in online education, particularly when considering the median earnings for alumni are $62,465, placing it in the top 26% of schools for this metric. Combined with a generous average financial aid package of $21,097, this makes DWU a top choice for students focused on return on investment. Moreover, 100% of students receive financial aid, ensuring broad-based support and financial accessibility. DWU offers various online graduate programs, including a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Education, designed to fit into busy schedules.
Dakota State University Dakota State University Dakota State University Dakota State University
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Key Metrics:
- Salary Score: B+
- Median Earning: $60,110
Why We Like Them:
DSU is notable due to the median earnings of its graduates, which stand at $60,110, placing the university in the top 30% for this metric. More than 1,770 students are enrolled in the university's online programs, which range from certificates to graduate degrees. DSU utilizes the popular learning management system Desire2Learn (D2L) to facilitate online assignments, lectures, and exams. This platform allows the school to provide a flexible, cohesive virtual classroom experience. As an online student, you can complete your courses anytime and anywhere.
What Students Say:
"The school has great use of technology! No matter what degree you go for, you will receive a minor for technology. The class sizes are smaller than a big college. The professors know you by name and are interested in your opinions and thoughts."
Katie, Graduated 2015
Best by Affordability
These schools boast an affordable tuition rate at the bachelor’s level. The OnlineU staff manually researches tuition costs and online degrees on official school websites. Our most affordable schools in South Dakota are below $10,700 in annual tuition costs.
Northern State University Northern State University Northern State University Northern State University
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Key Metrics:
- Annual Tuition: $10,643
Why We Like Them:
NSU is noteworthy for its affordability, with a tuition of $10,643. This tuition is better than 40% of schools nationwide, making it an excellent option if you are looking for a budget-friendly education. As you explore online education options here, you will find many different programs to suit your needs, from individual courses to complete degrees. Among all NSU students, 1,083 study online. At the online undergraduate level, there are majors in business administration, criminal justice, and accounting. Master's degree offerings include banking and financial services, accounting analytics, and art education, each tailored to help you achieve your career goals.
South Dakota State University South Dakota State University South Dakota State University South Dakota State University
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Key Metrics:
- Annual Tuition: $10,643
Why We Like Them:
We included SDSU because of its $10,643 tuition rate, making it a budget-friendly choice for many. Each and every student attending SDSU benefits from financial aid, making it a top choice if you require financial assistance to pursue your degree. Complementing this affordability is a strong retention rate of 79%, indicating a positive student experience and meaningful support system. What's more, 90% of SDSU students recommend attending the school. SDSU offers a variety of online degree options across multiple levels, including bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs, providing flexibility and comprehensive education to suit your career goals. Online undergraduate students can major in popular subjects such as geographic information systems, nursing, and psychology.
What Students Say:
"Great school spirit. Not too big and not too small. Nice college community."
Anonymous, Graduated 2010
University of South Dakota University of South Dakota University of South Dakota University of South Dakota
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Key Metrics:
- Annual Tuition: $10,643
Why We Like Them:
USD secured its place on our affordability list with a tuition of $10,643 per year — same as all the schools on our affordability list for South Dakota. It also has an impressive retention rate of 82%, which stands in the top 18% of universities nationally, making it evident that students find value in staying through their program. Furthermore, the university has a high online enrollment of 2,152 students, placing it in the top 21%. This metric signifies an effective online infrastructure and a thriving virtual learner community. USD's commitment to online education is clear as you browse more than 50 accredited online programs spanning business, health sciences, education, and nursing, taught by the same esteemed faculty as on-campus courses.
What Students Say:
"My fields of study were exceptional. The number of classes for English and History was enough to allow one variety, and the numbers of students was small enough to be able to provide a more intimate learning experience...professors were invested in the success of their students, lending time for conversation and extra books if they were needed."
L.L.S., Graduated 2009
Honorable Mention
Many colleges and universities don't fit neatly into a single category, but that doesn't mean they should be overlooked. Our Honorable Mention section highlights schools that deserve your attention during your college search. For example, 100% of students attending these South Dakota universities use financial aid to fund their education.
Black Hills State University Black Hills State University Black Hills State University Black Hills State University
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Key Metrics:
- Online Students: 1,332
Why We Like Them:
The primary reason we included BHSU is because of its substantial online enrollment. With 1,332 online students, BHSU stands out for its commitment to providing flexible education options for a significant number of learners. If you're seeking financial assistance, you'll be pleased to know that 100% of BHSU students receive financial aid, placing the school in the top 18% in this category. Most of BHSU's fully online degrees are at the master's level and include majors such as strategic leadership and secondary education. Online undergraduate students can study business administration or opt for a general studies degree. All BHSU online programs are designed for working professionals and students requiring flexible learning schedules.
What Students Say:
"A great small college that is inexpensive yet offers great opportunities, small class sizes, and one on one time with professors."
Heather, Graduated 2014
University of Sioux Falls University of Sioux Falls University of Sioux Falls University of Sioux Falls
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Key Metrics:
- Online Students: 180
Why We Like Them:
USF is an attractive option for online learners seeking financial assistance. All students receive financial aid, with the average amount totaling $12,117 per student, ensuring an accessible education for everyone. Median earnings for graduates are solid at $54,380, placing them in the top 42% compared to other universities around the country, an indicator of the valuable return on investment this institution offers. USF offers a variety of online degree programs that include professional certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Undergraduate options include accounting, business, health administration, and general studies, while advanced degrees like an MBA and an MEd are also available. Unique features such as an alternative certification in special education further enrich these offerings.
Higher Education in South Dakota
There are 22 different colleges, universities, and technical schools offering degrees in South Dakota. That includes large public schools like South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, community and technical colleges that offer certificates and associate degrees, and small religious schools, such as Dakota Wesleyan University.
There are also three tribal colleges owned and operated by Native American tribes in South Dakota. Oglala Lakota College and Sinte Gleska University are public four-year universities serving roughly 2,800 students. Sisseton Wahpeton College is a small public two-year school that serves just under 300 students.
The cost of college in South Dakota tends to be higher for students at community colleges and technical schools but lower for students at private four-year universities compared to the national average. Students at private universities save around $6,000 on average compared to students nationwide. For in-state students who go to public universities, the cost is on par with the national average.
Students looking for an online college in South Dakota can choose from 18 different schools offering distance education. There are colleges, universities, and technical schools offering fully online certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate programs.
Students can get their online degree in nearly every subject, but some of the most popular bachelor's degrees include business, healthcare, information technology, teaching, and nursing in South Dakota. Popular graduate programs for online students include a master's in business administration (MBA), a master's in social work (MSW), or graduate degrees in teaching and education, healthcare administration, and nursing.
FAQs About Online Colleges in South Dakota
How Many Colleges Are in South Dakota?
South Dakota is home to 22 different degree-granting colleges and universities, including large four-year universities, small private schools, religious colleges, community and technical schools, and three tribal colleges.
What States Have Tuition Reciprocity with South Dakota?
Students from South Dakota can pay lower tuition rates at colleges in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and some schools in Nebraska and Wyoming.
How Do I Establish Residency in South Dakota for College?
While it can vary from school to school, students generally need to live in South Dakota for a full year (12 consecutive months) before they start their first day of classes. Students who move to South Dakota for college but don't live in the state for at least one year before they start school won't qualify for in-state tuition, even after living in the state for a year while attending college.
Does South Dakota Have Community Colleges?
South Dakota has six community and technical colleges offering associate degrees and certificates: Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Oglala Lakota College, Sisseton Wahpeton College, Southeast Technical College, and Western Dakota Technical College.