Best Colleges in South Dakota, USA

Studying and living in South Dakota is much more affordable than in larger, more well-known U.S. cities, while the former still provides world-class education and a high standard of living. Get a head start on choosing and confirming your dream college.

Here are the best colleges in South Dakota. To help you make your college decision, we’ve put together a list of the best colleges and universities in South Dakota. Through our selection, you can choose the best college to fit your needs and wishes. Good luck!

University of South Dakota

South Dakota University is the oldest public research university in the world. USD is known as one of America’s best “National Universities.” The university offers 202 undergraduate and 78 graduate degree program in the field of Arts & Science, Business, Health Science, Law, and Medicine. It provides swimming & diving, cross country, football, basketball, track & field and golf. The on-campus living cost for students is $4,113.

Ranking: #263 in National Universities
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 9,332 USD, Domestic tuition 12,807 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 605-658-6200
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South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is the most comprehensive higher-education university in South Dakota and the longest continuously operating university in South Dakota. The university provides 82 majors, 35 specializations, 94 minors, 36 master’s degree programs, 15 PhD programs and two professional doctorates in a wide range of subjects such as agriculture, food and environmental sciences, the arts, humanities and social sciences, education and nursing.

Ranking: #284 in National Universities
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 9,114 USD, Domestic tuition 12,589 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 800-952-3541
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Augustana University

Established in 1860, Augustana University is a private, Lutheran university in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Students. The university ranks among the top 40 U.S. liberal arts colleges in education, based on the number of graduates it receives. It offers 53 majors, 34 minors, and 15 pre-professional programs.  It supports important hands-on and experiential learning opportunities for students through internships, undergraduate research & fieldwork here and around the globe.

Ranking: #13 in Regional Universities Midwest
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 33,960 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 605-274-0770
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Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University is a public research university in Spearfish. The university offers 80 majors, nine master’s programmers, six associate degrees and 20 pre-professional programmers. The university offers financial support as a scholarship to students which allows them a rare opportunity to discover and grow in the outdoors while learning and seeking inspiration.

Ranking: #119-#156 in Regional Universities Midwest
Tuition & Fees Approximately: Local tuition 9,009 USD, Domestic tuition 12,155 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 605-642-6131
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Presentation College

Founded in 1951, The Presentation College is a Catholic college located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The college offers undergraduate, graduate and six online undergraduate degrees in the field of nursing, health professional programs, criminal justice, human services and sports and event management. The college grants a scholarship, and amazing hands-on opportunities and the small class sizes that allow one-on-one interaction with professors.

Ranking: Unranked
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 21,375 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 605-225-1634 or admit[at]presentation.edu
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Sinte Gleska University

Sinte Gleska University is a private Indian tribal college located in Mission, South Dakota. The university offers 25 associate degrees, 23 bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and a dozen certificate programmers. It has seven undergraduate academic departments. The annual budget for schooling and living costs to be charged to Sinte Gleska University is $211,154 for the academic year.

Ranking: Unranked
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 3,154 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 605-856-8100
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Sisseton Wahpeton College

Established in 1979, Sisseton Wahpeton College offers only associate degrees and has an agreement with several 4-year graduation institutions. SWC admits students of any race, creed, and national or ethnic origin. Admission is required for students with a high school diploma and a GED certificate. The cost of living on campus for students is $6,423.

Ranking: Unranked
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 4,510 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 605-698-3966
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Oglala Lakota College

Oglala Lakota College is a tribal community college based in Kyle, South Dakota. The college offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and Certificates programmers and A.A. Classes. The annual living cost estimate for Oglala Lakota College is $12,034 for the academic year.

Ranking: Unranked
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 2,684 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 605-455-6000
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University of Jamestown

Jamestown University is a liberal arts college. The university offers a bachelor’s degree, a master’s programmer and a doctoral programmer in various fields. Every year, the university provides scholarships and financial support to promising students. The university has been offering internship programmers for several years. The cost of living on campus for applicants is $3,466. Admission is required for GPA and S students.

Ranking: #39 in Regional Colleges Midwest
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 22,428 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 701-252-3467
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Sitting Bull College

Established in 1973, Sitting Bull College offers degrees in Masters of Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Applied Science, as well as certification programmers. Admission required for students to graduate from a GED approved high school diploma may be accepted. It is committed to developing intellectual capital through university, career and technical education, and to fostering economic and social growth.

Ranking: Unranked
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 4,010 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 605-845-3206 or info[at]sittingbull.edu
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