South Dakota is the fifth least populous and fifth least densely populated state in the nation, making an online degree a smart choice for those who do not live near a college or university. South Dakota was home to just 33,000 students in 2013. However, these students do enjoy a variety of higher education options that are extensive relative to the size of the state’s population.
Dakota State University and South Dakota State University rank among the 100 Best Online Colleges for 2017. These excellent universities are joined by three other top-notch schools, each one offering a considerable number of fully online degree programs.
Whether you’re looking to save money with in-state tuition, being a part of a school that you know and love, or are looking to advance in or even change your career, we have all the information you need to find the perfect online degree program to fit into your demanding schedule.
Four reasons to find an online college in your state:
- Guaranteed in-state tuition saves you money
- Be a part of a university or college you know and love
- Get a degree from a school employers know and trust
- Be close enough to easily visit when desired
Ranking guidelines for the best online colleges in South Dakota:
We selected the online colleges and universities here based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Note: In ranking the best online colleges in South Dakota, giving attention to the variety of degree programs available at the institutions is of utmost importance. For this reason, a more prestigious school in South Dakota may offer one, or a few online degrees, but that may not be enough for that school to rank highly among the best online colleges in the state. In this ranking, we are dedicated to showing who’s leading the way in delivering quality online degree programs in South Dakota.
The Best Online Colleges in South Dakota
1Dakota State University
(Madison, SD)
Dakota State University, established in 1881, is a technologically-centered university. Due to this focus, all full-time undergraduates are required to have and use tablets and laptop computers in their courses and must also take two mandatory courses: introductory programming and introduction to computers.
Dakota State University’s online degree programs include associate, baccalaureate, master and doctoral degrees. Online associate’s degrees include network security and business management. Online bachelor’s degrees include computer science and marketing. Master’s degree options include analytics and health informatics. Online doctoral degree offerings include cyber security and information systems. Available online certifications include banking security and ethical hacking.
Online student resources include online tutoring in several subjects, an online job board and an online library with librarians available via email, Twitter, text message or over the phone.
Dakota State University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
2South Dakota State University
(Brookings, SD)
South Dakota State University is a land-grant, space-grant and sun-grant university established in 1881. The university first opened its doors as a mechanical and agricultural school, meaning it leans more toward degree programs in pharmacy, agriculture, nursing and engineering. The university has more than 12,000 students in attendance and offers more than 175 programs of study.
South Dakota State University offers associate, baccalaureate, master and certificate programs online through its Department of Continuing and Distance Education. Online associate’s degrees include general studies. Online bachelor’s degrees include geography and sociology. Online master’s degrees include educational administration and chemistry. Available certifications include animal science and family financial planning.
Online student resources include an online job board, online career exploration, technical support and an online library with librarians available via live chat, email, fax or over the phone.
South Dakota State University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
3University of South Dakota
(Vermillion, SD)
The University of South Dakota was established in 1862, almost 40 years before South Dakota joined the United States. The university is home to a medical school, a business school and a law school. The university is also home to the National Music Museum, which showcases more than 15,000 musical instruments from around the world. In total, the university offers more than 200 programs of study across 7 academic colleges.
The University of South Dakota offers associate, baccalaureate, master, doctoral and certificate programs online through its World Class Online platform. Online associate’s degrees include general studies. Online bachelor’s degrees include addiction studies and nursing. Online master’s degrees include public health and social work. Online doctoral degree offerings include occupational therapy and physical therapy. Available online certifications include long-term care management.
Online student resources include 24/7 technical support, online test proctoring, online writing assistance, and an online library.
The University of South Dakota is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
4Northern State University
(Aberdeen, SD)
Northern State University, established in 1901, came about due to requests from area citizens for an institute of higher education. Several wealthy citizens donated both land and money toward the school’s establishment once the bill approving the school met state senate approval. The university teaches more than 3,500 students and offers more than 50 programs of study.
Northern State University offers associate, baccalaureate and master degrees online through its Office of Online and Continuing Education. Online associate’s degrees include general studies, gerontology and financial services. Online bachelor’s degree options include marketing, professional accountancy and business administration. Online master’s degree offerings include teaching, leadership and music education.
Resources available to online students include an online job board and an online library with librarians readily available via live chat, email, text message, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or over the phone.
Northern State University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
5Black Hills State University
(Spearfish, SD)
Black Hills State University is one of South Dakota’s largest universities with more than 4,500 students from 44 states and 29 countries in attendance. Established in 1883, the university sits on more than 120 acres. Some of the majors the university offers include subjects within the arts, humanities, social science, business, natural sciences, education and behavioral science.
Black Hills State University offers baccalaureate, master’s and certificate programs entirely online. Bachelor’s degree options include general studies and business administration. Master’s degree offerings include strategic leadership and Project SELECT. Available certifications include secondary education.
Online student resources include technical support, an online job board and an online library with librarians available via email and over the phone.
Black Hills State University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).