5 Best Online Colleges in South Dakota 2025

More than 50% of students attend online colleges in South Dakota in some capacity, and nearly 30% of those students are enrolled exclusively in online college programs. Perhaps you'd like to learn more about the best online colleges you could attend as a South Dakota resident. So, you might be curious about the schools in your state that offer some of the top online degrees.

Keep reading as we explore online degrees in South Dakota. We'll look at accredited online degrees and the schools offering them. We'll also provide helpful information about distance education and answer common questions you may have.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in South Dakota

The best colleges online offer both quality and accessibility. Let's take an in-depth look at some of the top schools with online programs in South Dakota, including some of the degrees they offer.

1. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public school located in Vermillion. It enrolls on-campus and online learners, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Online offerings include:

• artificial intelligence
• biology
• criminal justice
• elementary education
• health sciences

The school provides financial aid for 95% of students. Its wealth of online degree and certificate programs and flexible study options make it one of the top online colleges in South Dakota.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,432

Out-of-State: $12,942

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,123

Out-of-State: $11,773

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 99%

Retention Rate: 80%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Dakota State University

Dakota State University is a public institution in Madison. It offers online degrees at every program level along with minors and certificate programs. Areas of study include:

• computer science
• digital content creation
• health informatics and information management
• individualized studies
• professional accountancy

About 95% of students receive financial aid at this school. Online courses are highly flexible but taught by the same experienced faculty who teach on-campus, providing students a crucial blend of accessibility and quality.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,633

Out-of-State: $12,735

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,999

Out-of-State: $11,199

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 98%

Retention Rate: 75%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

3. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is a public school in Brookings. The school offers many online undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

• agricultural business
• concrete industry management
• geographic information sciences
• human development and family studies
• interdisciplinary studies

As many as 98% of students receive financial aid. Degree and certificate programs provide a flexible, affordable, and convenient way to begin or advance your education and lead to quality, reputable credentials.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,299

Out-of-State: $12,809

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,164

Out-of-State: $15,697

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 99%

Retention Rate: 83%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

4. Northern State University

Northern State University is located in Aberdeen. This public school provides several online degrees and certificates, including:

• accounting
• art education
• banking and financial services
• marketing
• Spanish

The school provides highly affordable tuition rates and offers financial aid to 98% of students. This, combined with the various online program options and flexible coursework, makes it a top school for online learners in South Dakota.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,845

Out-of-State: $11,947

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $5,999

Out-of-State: $11,199

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 93%

Retention Rate: 75%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

5. Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University is a public school in Spearfish. Students at this school can pursue several online graduate and undergraduate degrees, including:

• strategic leadership
• sustainability
• business administration
• general studies
• reading

The school awards financial aid to 90% of students. Coursework is flexible, and various support services are in place to help students succeed in an online environment.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,000

Out-of-State: $12,100

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,998

Out-of-State: $14,931

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Schools

Studying online makes it possible to study from anywhere. With that in mind, let's look at some top out-of-state schools providing online degrees to learners throughout the country, including those in South Dakota.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University is one of several fully online colleges in the U.S. It is a public school providing graduate and undergraduate degree programs in areas such as:

• project management
• legal studies
• human services
• information technology
• organizational leadership

The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students can transfer a large number of credits and take advantage of low tuition rates and flexible courses to get their degrees in a way that works for them.

University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global is a private online school affiliated with the University of Massachusetts but headquartered in California. It provides a wealth of online undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

• applied studies
• communication and media
• psychology
• social work
• business administration

The WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits this school. The university provides a flexible, affordable way for students to either begin, continue, or finish their education in a range of practical programs.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online university headquartered in Utah. Students at this school can pursue online degrees at associate, bachelor's, and master's levels, along with various certificates. Majors include:

• cloud computing
• special education
• human resource management
• healthcare administration
• data analytics

The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. All programs are competency-based and self-paced, giving students a maximum amount of control over their study schedules while still providing a high-quality education.

How We Rank Schools

We used data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard when compiling the above list. The following selection criteria were used:

• Accreditation: These are all regionally or nationally accredited online colleges.
• Reputation: All of the schools are well respected and known for providing high-quality academic programs for both on-campus and online students.
• Accessibility: Each school provides features to make education more accessible for students, such as affordable tuition rates, financial aid options, flexible coursework, and multiple yearly start dates.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in South Dakota

Like everything in life, online higher education has both benefits and drawbacks. Let's talk about some common pros and cons of enrolling in online college programs.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Study from anywhere: Students in online learning programs don't have to attend campus, so they can study from wherever they have an internet connection.
• Affordable tuition: Online education is often cheaper than studying in person due to lower tuition rates and fewer mandatory fees.
• Flexible coursework: Online courses are typically asynchronous, meaning they have no set class times, enabling students to study at their convenience.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Lack of structure: Since online programs are flexible, they tend to lack the structure that some students need to help them stay on track.
• Employer skepticism: Though most employers respect online degrees, some still prefer to hire those who earned their education on-campus.
• Feeling isolated: Distance learners may feel isolated from their peers and professors, leading them to feel unsupported in their academic journeys.

How To Choose the Best Online College in South Dakota

Before deciding which school to attend, it's important to make sure any of the colleges you are considering are accredited and reputable. Attending accredited colleges online ensures that students receive quality educational experiences and that their degrees will be accepted in the workforce.

You'll also want to consider school costs and affordability, financial aid, available degree programs, and student resources. If you are a transfer student, ensure the schools you're considering will accept your transfer credits.

Study admissions requirements and make sure you qualify for admission before putting in any applications. Determine what you're looking for in a school and gauge each institution to see how well it aligns with your priorities.

How Much Does an Online Degree in South Dakota Cost?

Costs for online students can vary widely depending on many factors. Tuition averages from around $6,000 to more than $20,000 per year among the schools discussed in this article.

Additional expenses, such as mandatory fees and technology costs, can raise prices further. That said, online degrees are typically still more affordable than in-person degrees, which may charge more fees and have higher tuition rates.

Tips on How To Make Online College in South Dakota More Affordable

Even affordable online degrees in South Dakota can cost a pretty penny. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help students cover costs and attend college affordably.

Students can complete the FAFSA to apply for government aid, like Pell Grants and work-study programs. They can apply for scholarships through their schools or outside organizations. Those with previous college experience can transfer their credits to save time and money � and they can apply at schools that offer payment plans and don't charge application fees. Learn more about each of these options below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

South Dakota Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants can be a great way to fund your education. Let's look at some top scholarships for students living in South Dakota.

Hagan-Harvey Scholarship

This state scholarship is available to enrolled members of American Indian tribes attending accredited schools in South Dakota. Students must be enrolled in school full-time and maintain a 2.5 GPA or better. The scholarship is awarded in increments over four years.

Award Amount: at least $6,000

Deadline: February 28, 2025

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

This scholarship is available through the South Dakota Board of Regents. Students must be residents of the state, enroll in college within five years of high school graduation or one year of release from military service, and meet academic and standardized test score requirements.

Award Amount: up to $7,500

Deadline: September 1, 2025

Dakota Corps Scholarship

Students can earn this scholarship by committing to attend school in South Dakota and work in a critical need occupation in the state after graduating. Students must also meet academic requirements and enroll in school within a year of high school graduation or release from military service.

Award Amount: varies

Deadline: December 15, 2025

Top Majors for South Dakota Graduates

Students can pursue degrees at various program levels at South Dakota online colleges. Some popular areas of study include:

• General Studies: General studies degrees provide a broad foundation in many subjects, preparing students for graduate education or careers in many fields. It is commonly offered as an online bachelor's or associate degree program.
• Business Administration: Business administration degrees prepare students to work in all facets of business, especially in leadership or management positions. It is a common online master's degree but is available at every program level.
• Finance: Finance degrees prepare students for careers specifically relating to financial management, consultation, or research. These degrees are common at the bachelor's and master's levels.
• Accounting: Accounting degrees teach principles such as taxation, fraud examination, and auditing to train students for these career paths. They are popular bachelor's and master's degrees.
• General Business: General business degrees provide introductory information on business topics, preparing students to work in various positions that may or may not be managerial in nature. They are often available as associate and bachelor's degrees.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in South Dakota

If you still have questions about enrolling in online classes, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some frequently asked questions you may have.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in South Dakota?

Full-time students typically graduate within four years for a bachelor's degree and two years for a master's degree. However, accelerated online degrees in South Dakota can speed up the process. In some cases, bachelor's students can graduate in just one to three years and master's students can graduate in a year or less.

Should I Enroll in an Online College in South Dakota?

Online college may not be for everyone. If you prefer a structured classroom environment with a consistent schedule, you may do better studying on-campus. However, if you are self-motivated, need a flexible schedule, and have work or family commitments to balance with your education, studying online may be the best option for you.

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

The easiest schools to get into in South Dakota are the ones with the highest acceptance rates. While a few schools in the state have 100% acceptance rates, the easiest schools to get into among those discussed in this article are the University of South Dakota and Dakota State University (each with 99% acceptance rates).

Is Online College Free in South Dakota?

All online colleges in South Dakota charge tuition, fees, and other expenses; none of them are ''free.'' That said, many forms of financial aid are available in the state. Students can combine scholarships and other types of aid to reduce and potentially eliminate their out-of-pocket costs, effectively attending school for free or nearly free.

Discover Online Degree Programs in South Dakota

If you're ready to begin your online learning journey, consider the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of these schools directly to learn more about their programs and to discover which one is right for you.