Best Colleges in South Dakota (2023 Rankings)

Hey future college-goers! Ready to dive into the world of higher education right in South Dakota? This list has got you covered. 

From the quiet charm of Vermillion to the bustling life of Rapid City, South Dakota has many excellent colleges to choose from. 

In no particular order, we'll take a look at some of the best colleges in SD, their standout academic programs, popular extracurricular activities, and other relevant info like acceptance rate and student-faculty ratio. Let's get started!

University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota (USD) is located in Vermillion and boasts an undergraduate enrollment of over 7,000 students. 

The main campus spreads across a sprawling 274-acre rural campus. 

Notably, USD is renowned for its medical and law schools, making it a prime choice if those fields are in your area of interest. 

Beyond its rigorous academic programs, USD is home to the National Music Museum, a treasure trove with over 15,000 instruments from around the globe. 

Students at USD are never short of engagement opportunities; from a rich array of extracurricular activities to an active Greek life, there's something for everyone. 

The acceptance rate is 91%. In-state tuition and fees are $9,332, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $12,807.

South Dakota State University

Tucked away in Brookings, South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a fusion of time-honored tradition and modern campus energy. 

Established in 1881, SDSU has a longstanding reputation and is renowned for its stellar education programs and an expansive selection of bachelor's degrees, particularly in fields like Agriculture, Engineering, and Nursing. 

But life at SDSU isn't just about hitting the books. The sports scene is dynamic, with the Jackrabbits making waves in NCAA Division I. For the musically inclined, "The Pride of the Dakotas" marching band is a highlight. And let's not forget Hobo Day, a legendary college celebration touted as "The Biggest One-Day Event in the Dakotas." 

The acceptance rate is 89%.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Hey, tech aficionados and future innovators! Meet the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, often dubbed South Dakota Mines or SD Mines.

Situated in Rapid City and surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Black Hills, this public university is all about STEM. SD Mines was established in 1885 and is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents. You've got a good chance of getting in with an 86% acceptance rate.

Trying to maximize your income out of school? South Dakota Mines has been named the #1 Engineering School in the nation for Return on Investment, making it an absolute steal, especially with in-state tuition offers extended to a good number of states, including Colorado, Nebraska, and Minnesota, among others. 

With a tight-knit community of 2,146 undergraduates and a plethora of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, SD Mines is a solid choice.

University of Sioux Falls

Located in the heart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the University of Sioux Falls (USF) is a private Baptist institution with a relatively small undergrad enrollment of around 1,300 students. 

Students enjoy a hands-on learning experience with a comfortable student-faculty ratio of 17:1. 

Their acceptance rate is about 92%, and their stand-out academic programs are Business Administration, Registered Nursing, and Psychology. 

If you're looking for a Christian faith-based school with a strong academic and spiritual foundation, USF would be a good choice.

Augustana University

Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been around since 1860 and has a Lutheran background.

It's the biggest private, for-profit university in South Dakota, offering over 50 different majors. 

If you're musical, you might be interested to know they have a choir and band that travel often, including internationally. They also have a variety of clubs, a very active theater group, sports, and daily worship sessions. 

However, tuition is on the high end at around $35,884, and the acceptance rate is 71%.

Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell, South Dakota, was founded in 1885. 

As a Methodist-affiliated university, it has a strong Christian foundation and a small student count, below 800. If you like a small, intimate campus, this would be a good university to consider. 

The campus has some historic cred, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

While they offer 53 different bachelor's degrees, sports is a big thing here. The Tigers, are pretty active and have even bagged some noteworthy achievements in basketball. 

The tuition is set at $29,770, and they have an acceptance rate of 64%.

Dakota State University

Now let's talk about Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, which was founded in 1881 as a school for teacher education. 

Today, this school is known for its tech-focused programs, especially in Computer Management, Computer Information Systems, and related fields.

Tuition is affordable at $9,536 for in-state students and $12,606 for out-of-state students. With 24 bachelor's degrees in four colleges, 4 Ph.D., 7 Master's programs, and 9 associates to choose from, there is something for everyone. 

With just over 2,700 students, the small class sizes ensure individualized attention. DSU has an acceptance rate of 84% and a 6-year graduation rate of 49%. 

Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University (BHSU) was founded in 1887 and is located in Spearfish, South Dakota. 

It has a diverse student body from 43 states and 29 countries, and the main campus in Spearfish is 123 acres. They also have a satellite campus in Rapid City they share with South Dakota State University. 

BHSU has three main colleges: the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Business and Natural Sciences, and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. The College of Liberal Arts, in particular, shines with programs in Graphic Design, Music, Mass Communication, and American Indian Studies.

On the extracurricular front, BHSU's Yellow Jackets make their mark in the NCAA's Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, showcasing prowess in diverse sports ranging from basketball and football to the unique addition of rodeo. 

The university boasts an 97% acceptance rate, and they have an undergraduate population of 3,413 with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Oglala Lakota College

In Kyle, South Dakota, Oglala Lakota College (OLC) is an educational and cultural epicenter for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. 

With 1,222  students, OLC has evolved from a community college to a college offering a unique bachelor's and a master's degree in Lakota Leadership. It has numerous other programs, including Education and Nursing. 

As an integral member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), OLC is committed to promoting academic excellence and preserving the Lakota people's heritage. 

With open admissions and an in-state tuition of $2,684, OLC emphasizes affordability, accessibility, and serving the unique educational needs of a geographically isolated Indigenous community.

Honorable mentions

• Mitchell Technical Institute. A prominent technical institution with many STEM and online programs.
• Sisseton Wahpeton College. Dedicated to the cultural and academic needs of the Dakota community, providing a mix of traditional and modern programs.
• National American University. Located in Rapid City, this school focuses heavily on affordable online degrees.
• Northern State University. A public institution in Aberdeen offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a rep for academic excellence.
• Mount Marty University (previously Mount Marty College). Located in Yankton, it's a Catholic Liberal Arts university emphasizing community engagement and personal growth.
• Sinte Gleska University. Serving the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, it combines Lakota heritage with modern academic and vocational training.

Find your top choice in with College Rover

With the diverse array of schools in South Dakota, finding the perfect fit for your academic and personal growth can feel overwhelming. 

But hey, why stress when College Rover's got your back? 

Think of us as your ultimate college matchmaker. Whether you're into big unis, tech schools, or those cozy private joints, we've got the deets. 

Dive into campuses, check out the coolest programs, and even see how hard (or easy) it is to get in. 

College Rover is your trusted ally, helping you make that choice with confidence. Take the first step towards your bright academic future; let College Rover guide you in discovering your top choice!

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.