5 Most Affordable Online Colleges in South Dakota 2025

Find flexible, online, and budget-friendly degree programs from the most affordable online colleges in South Dakota. Your education pathway starts today.

The best part about attending an affordable online college is the flexibility. These schools allow all students, including those residing in South Dakota, to maintain their careers and other obligations while reaching their educational goals.

To ensure cost doesn't hinder your academic path, we've compiled a list of the cheapest online colleges in South Dakota. Of course, we didn't compromise on quality � we included only the best accredited and online colleges in South Dakota.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in South Dakota

Whether you're aiming for a four-year degree or want to pursue a graduate degree, affordability is likely a priority. These are the least expensive colleges in South Dakota that offer students quality online coursework across all types of academic programs and fields.

1. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University (SDSU) offers a comprehensive number of online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees through its distance education programs. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), this university is the state's largest institution.

The cost per credit hour is $354.75 for online undergraduates and $470.45 for graduate students. In addition to federal aid, grants, and loans, SDSU students can lower their tuition costs by accessing the many scholarships offered through SDSU. International programs are also available, and even high school students can get a head start on their college career with dual credit through SDSU.

2. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota (USD) is accredited by the HLC and offers flexible education. The school includes high-quality online courses in business, health sciences, education, nonprofit studies, healthcare, and more.

Similar to SDSU, online undergraduate students pay $354.75 per credit hour and graduate students pay $470.45 per credit hour. This school offers these same rates to in-state, out-of-state, and online students, making it one of the best cheap online colleges in the area.

3. Dakota State University

If you're looking for a public institution that allows you to take your classes online anywhere and anytime, Dakota State University (DSU) could be a good fit. The school is accredited through the HLC and it offers online learning for all degree types � from associate degrees to master's programs.

While on-campus, in-state tuition is affordable, Dakota State University does charge more for distance learners. As one of the cheap colleges in South Dakota, undergraduate online tuition comes in at $354.75 per credit hour. Non-resident and computer science courses have a higher rate of $464.90.

4. Northern State University

Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Northern State University offers online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificates. This public school is accredited by the HLC, with programs in business administration, elementary education, accounting, general studies, and more.

Yearly tuition for online students is $10,643, or about $354.76 per credit hour. In addition to federal aid, students can access loans, merit scholarships, grants for South Dakota residents, and more.

5. University of Sioux Falls

The University of Sioux Falls (USF) is a private Christian university, fully accredited by the HLC. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees designed with the busy working adult in mind.

USF has a starting tuition rate of $410 per credit hour; it offers 15+ online degrees. According to the university's rankings, 99% of USF graduates find employment or pursue graduate or professional studies within six months of graduation.

Our Selection Criteria

We've selected only the best online colleges in South Dakota. To be included on this list, these schools met all of the following criteria:

100% Online: You can earn your degree with completely online classes.
Location: Colleges are located in South Dakota.
Accreditation: We select only fully accredited institutions.
Affordable: Schools offer a tuition rate of $500 or less, or offer ways to reduce online tuition costs.

How Much Does a Cheap College in South Dakota Cost?

You shouldn't have to sacrifice quality for a better price, hence why we've found the most affordable online degree programs available in South Dakota.

The cheapest colleges in South Dakota typically costs $354.75 per credit hour for online education. We've found this rate at many universities across the state, including South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, Dakota State University, and Northern State University.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Program Affordable in South Dakota?

Making an online degree affordable requires strategic planning and research. Prospective students should explore various financial aid options, including federal and state grants, scholarships, and student loans.

Many universities in South Dakota offer scholarships specifically for online students. Additionally, since online students save on commuting and housing costs, these savings can contribute to affordability.

It's also beneficial to look into employer tuition reimbursement programs, as some employers may cover a portion of tuition costs for degrees that enhance job-related skills.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:

FAQs About Higher Education at the Cheapest Colleges in South Dakota

To learn more about the most affordable online colleges in South Dakota, see frequently asked questions below.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in South Dakota?

The cheapest online college in South Dakota is South Dakota State University. Students here pay $354.75 per credit hour.

Are There Any Free Online College Degrees in South Dakota?

While there are no free online college degrees in South Dakota, students can take advantage of grants, tuition waivers, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to reduce costs. Some of these may cover all or most of the tuition costs.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in South Dakota?

The easiest online college to get into in South Dakota is Dakota State University, which has an 86% acceptance rate. You can consider other online schools in other states that have open admissions and accept 100% of students who meet basic requirements.

Do You Have To Live In South Dakota To Attend Online College in the State?

No, you do not have to reside in South Dakota to attend an online college in the state.

Pursue a Bachelor's Degree With Accredited Online Programs

Ready to start your online academic journey? Explore Learn.org to find out more about the best virtual degree program for your needs.