Top 8 Cheapest Colleges in South Dakota (2025)

In 2024, affordability in higher education is a crucial factor for students in South Dakota. This comprehensive article aims to highlight the most economical colleges across the state, providing quality educational opportunities at significantly reduced costs.

List of Cheap Colleges in South Dakota

This list illustrates the cheapest colleges in South Dakota, ideal for students seeking quality education without the high price tag in 2024.

1. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University in Brookings offers affordable, diverse degree programs both online and on campus. Online options include degrees in agricultural business, geographic information sciences, and nursing.

The cost for on-campus tuition is $259.10 per credit hour for in-state and $376.10 for out-of-state students. Online courses are priced at $354.75 per credit hour, providing a flexible and economical option for students.

2. University of South Dakota

At the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, students can choose from 25 undergraduate and 44 graduate degrees online. The university's affordable online bachelor programs include criminal justice, management, and more.

In-state students pay $9,432 per semester in tuition and fees, compared to $12,942 for out-of-state students, and $10,643 for online students, making it a cost-effective choice for higher education.

3. Dakota State University

Dakota State University, located in Madison, is renowned for its high graduate placement rate of 99%. It offers 44 online degree programs, including unique fields like professional accountancy, and artificial intelligence.

The tuition for in-state undergraduate students is $4,417.50 per semester for a 15-credit course load, while out-of-state students pay $5,968.50, offering a competitive and affordable educational experience.

4. Southeast Technical College

Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls provides affordable degree programs online and on-campus. Online courses in fields like accounting, computer programming, and marketing feature structured weekly assignments.

The cost is $255 per credit hour for all students, regardless of residency. The college also offers numerous scholarships, such as Southeast Tech Scholarships and Seed for Success Scholarships, further reducing educational expenses.

5. University of Sioux Falls

The University of Sioux Falls, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offers a variety of affordable online bachelor's, master's, and associate degrees.

Online degrees are available in fields such as accounting, business, and general studies, catering to diverse academic interests.

The tuition fee for full-time undergraduate students is a competitive $21,150, which is the same price for both in-state and out-of-state students.

6. Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University in Spearfish provides an array of affordable degree programs, including online bachelor's degrees in general studies and business administration.

In-state students pay $253.85 per credit hour for undergraduate programs, while out-of-state students pay $357.25.

Online students also have access to extensive support services, including library services, a career center, and a writing center, enhancing their educational experience.

7. South Dakota Mines

South Dakota Mines, located in Rapid City, offers affordable degree programs both online and on campus. Their offerings include Bachelor of Science degrees in chemistry, geology, mining engineering, and various graduate degrees.

For in-state residents, the undergraduate tuition is $10,400 annually, excluding additional fees. Out-of-state residents pay $14,800 per year, also not including other fees.

8. Northern State University

Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, presents numerous affordable degree programs accessible both online and on campus. Their online offerings include bachelor's degrees in accounting, business administration, and criminal justice.

Tuition rates are uniform across residency status, with undergraduate students paying $354.75 per credit hour and graduate students $470.45 per credit hour.

Other Cheap Colleges Available to South Dakota Residents

Explore a range of nationally offered degrees, providing South Dakota residents with more affordable educational opportunities beyond state boundaries.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota, based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, offers a variety of affordable degree programs both online and on campus.

Their online programs include bachelor's degrees in computer science, data science, and earth science. Tuition and fees for state and out-of-state residents enrolled in undergraduate online programs are $456.31 per credit.

Mayville State University

Mayville State University, located in Mayville, North Dakota, provides a selection of affordable degree programs both online and on campus.

Their online program selection includes degrees such as:

• Bachelor of Science in mathematics
• Bachelor of Science in agribusiness
• Bachelor of Science in biology

Undergraduate tuition is $330.62 per credit hour for state students and $466.39 for out-of-state students.

How Much Will a College Degree Cost?

The cost of a college degree in South Dakota varies significantly based on the institution and residency status. For instance, South Dakota State University charges in-state students $259.10 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $376.10.

At the University of South Dakota, in-state students face tuition and fees of $9,432 per semester, compared to $12,942 for out-of-state students. These figures highlight the importance of considering both tuition rates and residency when budgeting for college.

Additionally, factors like program type, whether the courses are online or on-campus, and additional fees must be factored into the total cost of a degree.

How To Make College Affordable

Explore strategies to make college more affordable with careful planning and research.

Apply for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid is crucial in reducing college costs. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Additionally, consult your chosen college's financial aid office for institution-specific aid and advice on state and federal aid opportunities.

Consider Community College and Transfer Programs

Starting your education at a community college and then transferring to a four-year university can significantly lower overall education costs.

Community colleges often have lower tuition rates and offer transfer agreements with universities, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining educational quality and degree recognition.

Work Part Time and Budget Wisely

Working part-time while attending college can help offset expenses. Seek on-campus jobs or flexible part-time work that accommodates your academic schedule.

Additionally, developing a strict budget to manage living expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation, is essential for financial stability during your college years.

Do Cheap Colleges in South Dakota Offer High-Quality Education?

Yes, the affordable colleges in South Dakota listed in these rankings offer high-quality education.

These institutions provide various accredited programs and have strong records of academic excellence, ensuring a valuable and enriching learning experience.

In-State Vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates

In South Dakota, in-state tuition rates are generally lower than out-of-state rates. For example, South Dakota State University charges in-state students $259.10 per credit hour, compared to $376.10 for out-of-state students.

This difference underscores the importance of understanding residency requirements and considering in-state options for affordability.

Find an Affordable College in South Dakota Today

Start your journey to higher education in South Dakota by choosing an affordable college that aligns with your academic and financial goals. With numerous options available, finding a quality institution that fits your budget is more accessible than ever.