Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in South Dakota 2025

For many students, online learning is the best way to complete their higher education. Most online courses are asynchronous, allowing students to complete their coursework at a time that works best for them. This is a great option for busy students or those who can't commute to learn on campus.

While online programs are sometimes less expensive than in-person ones, they can still be pricey. Choosing a college that offers affordable bachelor's degrees online can help you keep your costs low. Keep reading to discover affordable online bachelor's degree programs in South Dakota.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in South Dakota?

Nearly all online bachelor's degrees in South Dakota cost less than $400 per credit for in-state residents. The cheapest online bachelor's degrees in South Dakota come from public universities. There are very few private schools offering online bachelor's programs in South Dakota, some of which charge over $900 per credit hour.

Your tuition rate will also depend on your financial aid. You can find several cheap online colleges that accept financial aid in South Dakota and throughout the country. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as this determines eligibility for many types of financial aid programs.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in South Dakota

Five universities in South Dakota offer affordable online bachelor's degree programs. We've highlighted them below.

1. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public research institution in Vermillion, SD. It offers about a dozen bachelor's degrees through online learning in fields like computer science, criminal justice, health sciences, and social sciences.

Online tuition at USD is $354.75 per credit hour. This tuition rate is for all online students, whether they live in South Dakota or elsewhere.

Average in-state tuition: $354.75 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $354.75 per credit hour

Financial aid: USD accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid like scholarships, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Black Hills State University

At Black Hills State University, students can choose from three online bachelor's degrees. These degrees are in business administration, general studies, and leadership.

BHSU, a public university, is located in Spearfish, SD. It charges $354.75 per credit hour for online undergraduate programs, regardless of the student's state of residence.

Average in-state tuition: $354.75 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $354.75 per credit hour

Financial aid: BHSU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Northern State University

Northern State University offers several online bachelor's degrees. Northern is a public university in Aberdeen, SD.

Online bachelor's programs are available in fields like agricultural business, criminal justice, information technology, and social sciences. Tuition is $365.05 per credit hour for all online students.

Average in-state tuition: $365.05 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $365.05 per credit hour

Financial aid: Northern offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

4. South Dakota State University

Multiple undergraduate degrees are available through online education at South Dakota State University. Areas of study include geography, human development, nursing, and psychology.

SDSU, located in Brookings, SD, is a public research university. It charges $365.05 per credit hour to online students from all states.

Average in-state tuition: $365.05 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $365.05 per credit hour

Financial aid: SDSU accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Dakota State University

Dakota State University is a public institution in Madison, SD. It offers several online bachelor's degrees in fields like business administration, cybersecurity, education, and health informatics.

The tuition rate at DSU is $365.05 per credit hour for online students. Some online computer science courses have a rate of $480.70 per credit for out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $365.05 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $365.05 per credit hour

Financial aid: DSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

Other Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in the U.S.

There aren't a ton of online schools in South Dakota, but the great thing about distance learning is that you can choose a school that's not nearby. Below, we've highlighted a few additional online programs from across the U.S.

University of the People

University of the People offers three online bachelor's degrees: business administration, computer science, and health sciences. It does not charge tuition but instead charges a $140 assessment fee per course.

The private, nonprofit online university, located in Pasadena, CA, cannot accept aid through FAFSA as it doesn't charge tuition. However, it can accept private aid, offers its own aid, and is also an online college with tuition payment plans.

Average in-state tuition: free

Average out-of-state tuition: free

Financial aid: University of the People offers institutional aid and payment plans. It also accepts aid through private sources.

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like construction management, healthcare administration, nursing, and special education. MSUM is a public university in Moorhead, MN.

Normally, MSUM charges $294.59 per credit hour for undergrad programs. However, South Dakota residents may be eligible for the school's Tuition-Free Pathway for ND and SD Students, which covers whatever other grants and scholarships don't.

Average in-state tuition: $294.59 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $294.59 per credit hour

Financial aid: MSUM offers institutional aid, like the Tuition-Free Pathway, and also accepts FAFSA and private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

Fayetteville State University

A variety of online bachelor's degrees are available at Fayetteville State University. Areas of study include computer science, criminal justice, political science, and sociology.

FSU, located in Fayetteville, NC, is a public university. It charges residents $41.67 per credit hour but charges only $104.17 per credit to out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $41.67 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $104.17 per credit hour

Financial aid: FSU accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University is a public institution in Dickinson, ND. It offers bachelor's degrees online in fields like business administration, computer science, education, and information technology.

The tuition rate at DSU is $249 per credit hour. This rate is for both in-state and out-of-state students, including those from South Dakota.

Average in-state tuition: $249 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $249 per credit hour

Financial aid: DSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

Athens State University

Through Athens State University, online learners can choose from several bachelor's degrees. Areas of study include behavioral science, healthcare management, management, and psychology.

Athens State, a public university, is located in Athens, AL. It charges $256 per credit to all online students, regardless of where they live.

Average in-state tuition: $256 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $256 per credit hour

Financial aid: Athens State offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the affordable online colleges in South Dakota, our methodology focused on:

• Accreditation: We only chose regionally accredited schools for this list.
• Affordability: Once we determined which accredited South Dakota colleges offer online bachelor's degrees, we looked at which had the cheapest options before expanding to include schools from other parts of the country.
• Program reputation and quality: In addition to being regionally accredited, all schools are either public or private nonprofit to ensure high-quality college degree programs.
• Online format: Every school on this list offers at least three online bachelor's degrees.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in South Dakota

Finding a low-cost but quality online program can be tough, especially for career-focused students. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about the most affordable online bachelor's degrees in South Dakota to help you out.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Bachelor's Degree in South Dakota?

The average cost of an online bachelor's degree in South Dakota is around $450 when all schools are included. However, your final cost will depend on which school you choose, as well as where you live and what financial aid you qualify for.

To help lower your costs, fill out the FAFSA every year. This determines your eligibility for federal programs, like the Pell Grant, and there are many online colleges that accept Pell Grant. It also determines eligibility for state aid and some institutional aid as well.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

Choosing an affordable school and applying for financial aid are great ways to lower your costs. Another good way to reduce your tuition is to earn your general education credits in a low-cost way.

Many high schools allow students to earn college credit through options like Advanced Placement (AP) classes. This allows students to earn credit for both college and toward their high school diploma, for free.

You can also complete an associate degree at a community college, as many community colleges are cheaper than four-year institutions. Community colleges often offer online courses, so you can still learn in a flexible format. Once you have credits, look for online colleges that accept transfer credits or offer credit for prior learning.

Can I Get a Bachelor's Degree Online for Free?

While there are no colleges in South Dakota that inherently offer free tuition, you may be able to completely reduce your costs through financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.

In addition to federal, state, and institutional aid, you can receive private aid as well. Look for options like scholarships for online students and employer-sponsored tuition assistance.

What Is the Easiest BA Degree To Get Online?

The easiest Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree to get online will depend on your strengths. However, one type of degree that tends to be universally easy is one in general studies or liberal arts.

These degrees are more general degrees, and often have more wiggle room in the curriculum, allowing you to choose courses that are more interesting or easier for you. However, keep in mind that these degrees aren't always as in-demand as more career-focused degrees.

Find Online Colleges With Accreditation

Start your journey toward reaching your career goals by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about start dates, enrollment, and financial aid.