The Best Online Colleges in South Dakota
South Dakota offers many affordable, accredited online degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.
South Dakota colleges are best known for their affordable tuition rates: The state’s four-year public and private universities charge below-average tuition rates compared to the national average. Colleges in South Dakota offer degrees in high-demand fields like business, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, with many offered through online programs.
Rural students benefit from the accessibility of online learning, and many of the state’s educational institutions offer tuition discounts for South Dakota residents. Online degrees also appeal to working students and busy adults who must balance school with other responsibilities.
This list of online colleges in South Dakota only includes regionally accredited institutions. Regional accreditation is the highest standard for educating students and granting degrees. Credits earned at accredited schools easily transfer to other institutions, and only accredited schools distribute federal student aid to their undergraduate and graduate students. An accredited degree also meets requirements for professional licenses and certifications.
Prospective students use this list to find the best programs for their career goals. This article also offers employment data for South Dakota and information about online associate and graduate degrees.
Featured Online Schools
The Best Online Colleges in South Dakota
Dakota State University
Madison, SD- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Online degree-seekers should consider Dakota State University. The public institution's 37 online degree options include offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.
Academic and career preparation services are available to all students, even those outside of the Madison, South Dakota, campus. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. Hands-on learning through internship programs helps many students prepare for work in their field. The degrees that graduates are awarded reflect the school's full accreditation.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
Dakota State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,206
Online Bachelor's Programs: 13
Online Master's Programs: 6
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 63%
Admission Rate: 77%
- In-State$7,541
- Out-of-state$10,611
- In-State$5,939
- Out-of-state$11,088
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled3,268
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
South Dakota State University
- Brookings, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
South Dakota State University is a fantastic choice for online learners. The public institution's 45 online degree options include offerings at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for strong academics, making it a popular choice for distance learners.
The academic and career advisors located at the Brookings campus are also available to assist online learners. Degree-seekers can participate in career-planning events like virtual job fairs by connecting with these academic advisors. Many students also gain hands-on field experience through the school's internship programs. The degrees that graduates receive are fully accredited.
More information about which programs are available online and how to apply is available by contacting the school.
South Dakota State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,358
Online Bachelor's Programs: 9
Online Master's Programs: 16
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 23%
Admission Rate: 90%
- In-State$7,697
- Out-of-state$11,172
- In-State$8,083
- Out-of-state$15,541
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled11,512
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Dakota
- Vermillion, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of South Dakota offers a high-quality online college experience. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution, which hosts a total of 33 online degree programs. The school attracts many remote learners because of its solid reputation for academics and experience in offering online education.
All learners, including those online, can take advantage of the academic and career services professionals hosted at the school's Vermillion campus. Online offerings from academic advisors and career-planning events like virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for success. Students can also take advantage of internship programs to gain hands-on experience. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
Anyone interested in learning more about available online programs and how to apply should contact the school directly.
University of South Dakota at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,939
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Online Master's Programs: 10
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 19%
Admission Rate: 86%
- In-State$7,697
- Out-of-state$11,172
- In-State$6,062
- Out-of-state$11,656
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled9,920
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Northern State University
- Aberdeen, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Northern State University is a fantastic choice for online learners. Remote enrollees at this public college can choose from 14 online programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Many distance learners choose to study at this school because of its track record in online education and reputation for academic quality.
The academic and career advisors located at the Aberdeen, South Dakota, campus are also available to assist online learners. Career services programs such as academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers achieve their professional goals. Students can also take advantage of internship programs to gain hands-on experience. Graduates receive an accredited degree upon completion of their program.
Potential applicants can get in touch with the school for additional details about program availability and the application process.
Northern State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,958
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Online Master's Programs: 4
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 20%
Admission Rate: 84%
- In-State$7,540
- Out-of-state$10,611
- In-State$5,939
- Out-of-state$11,088
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled3,427
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Black Hills State University
- Spearfish, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Black Hills State University offers a high-quality online college experience. Remote degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels are available to enrollees at this public school. The school's substantial track record in online education and good academic reputation attract many distance learners.
Online learners are also able to work with academic and career services professionals located at the Spearfish, South Dakota, campus. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. Hands-on learning through internship programs helps many students prepare for work in their field. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to all enrollees upon completing their program.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs are available by contacting the school.
Black Hills State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,249
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Online Master's Programs: 5
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 8%
Admission Rate: 84%
- In-State$7,878
- Out-of-state$11,024
- In-State$8,384
- Out-of-state$8,384
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled3,858
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Presentation College
- Aberdeen, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Presentation College is a fantastic choice for online learners. Those who enroll at the private institution remotely have eight online degree opportunities to choose from at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners often select this school because it has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for its academic strength.
Online learners not located near the Aberdeen, South Dakota, campus can still take advantage of academic and career advising services. Academic advisors help degree-seekers complete their programs, while virtual job fairs and career planning events prepare them for success after graduation. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to reach out to the school directly.
Presentation College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 454
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 2
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 22%
Admission Rate: 90%
- In-State$20,995
- Out-of-state$20,995
- In-State$15,576
- Out-of-state$15,576
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled584
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Dakota Wesleyan University
- Mitchell, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Dakota Wesleyan University's online degree offerings rank highly among similar programs. Students who enroll at the private institution can choose from 29 online offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners often choose to study at this school because of its experience with online education and reputation for academic quality.
The physical campus in Mitchell, South Dakota, employs academic and career service professionals who are also available to assist online learners. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. Graduates of the school's programs obtain a bachelor's degree with full accreditation.
Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about online program options and admission requirements.
Dakota Wesleyan University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 135
Online Bachelor's Programs: 22
Online Master's Programs: 4
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 46%
Admission Rate: 67%
- In-State$27,700
- Out-of-state$27,700
- In-State$14,400
- Out-of-state$14,400
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled880
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
- Rapid City, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology offers online programming that ranks highly among similar programs. A total of three online undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
Academic and career service professionals based out of the Rapid City campus are available to help online learners. Degree-seekers connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and career-planning events. The school also emphasizes hands-on learning through its internship programs. The degrees that graduates receive are fully accredited.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 114
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 6%
Admission Rate: 77%
- In-State$7,610
- Out-of-state$11,920
- In-State$7,920
- Out-of-state$15,900
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled2,525
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment5%
- AccreditationYes
University of Sioux Falls
- Sioux Falls, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Sioux Falls is a fantastic choice for online learners. Students who enroll at the private institution can choose from 10 online offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.
Academic and career preparation services are available to all students, even those outside of the South Dakota campus. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. Internship programs are also available to students, helping them gain valuable field experience. Completing their academic program grants graduates an accredited degree.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs are available by contacting the school.
University of Sioux Falls at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 779
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 15%
Admission Rate: 91%
- In-State$18,610
- Out-of-state$18,610
- In-State$7,020
- Out-of-state$7,020
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled1,675
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Lake Area Technical College
- Watertown, SD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
For many online degree-seekers, Lake Area Technical College is an attractive choice. A total of 15 online undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution. The school attracts many remote learners because of its solid reputation for academics and experience in offering online education.
From its Watertown, South Dakota, campus, the school supports online learners with academic and career services. Programs such as academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers achieve their professional goals. The internship programs that the school offers help many students prepare for their future careers. The degrees that graduates receive are fully accredited.
Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about online program options and admission requirements.
Lake Area Technical College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,033
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 38%
- In-State$2,904
- Out-of-state$2,904
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,228
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
South Dakota
2022
Online Colleges in South Dakota Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyEmployment in South Dakota
South Dakotans with college degrees benefit from the state’s low unemployment rate and cost of living. Compared to the national average cost of living index, which is set at 100, South Dakota’s cost of living index is only 88.3. Similarly, South Dakota’s 2.9% unemployment rate is much lower than the 6.2% national unemployment rate, as of February 2021.
South Dakota’s top industries include healthcare, manufacturing, educational services, and public administration. Bioscience, value-added agriculture, and cybersecurity are also key industries in the state. Many careers in these fields require a bachelor-level education, though fewer than 29% of South Dakota residents hold a bachelor’s degree. As a result, professionals with college degrees face less competition in South Dakota than they would in more highly educated states.
The state’s highest-paying, fastest-growing jobs, including financial manager, industrial engineer, and operations manager, all typically require a bachelor’s degree. Many of these careers pay more than double the state’s mean annual wage of $44,960.
The following information details some of the highest-paying roles employing more than 500 individuals in South Dakota. Salary information applies specifically to South Dakota, while job growth data pertains to the entire United States.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Managers | $144,980 | 15% | Bachelor’s |
| General and Operations Managers | $131,890 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Pharmacists | $121,130 | -3% | Doctoral |
| Lawyers | $111,930 | 4% | Doctoral |
| Physician Assistants | $109,290 | 31% | Master’s |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $107,850 | 32% | Bachelor’s |
| First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $103,230 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Nurse Practitioners | $103,080 | 45% | Master’s |
| Industrial Engineers | $86,450 | 10% | Bachelor’s |
Online Associate Degrees in South Dakota
In addition to bachelor’s degrees, South Dakotans can earn online associate degrees in business, agricultural science, and general studies.
South Dakota State University (SDSU) offers online associate programs in subjects like sociology, construction technology, and data science. Dakota State University (DSU) has an online associate in business management program. The online associate degree in general studies at the University of South Dakota (USD) prepares graduates to enroll in bachelor’s programs.
After completing an associate degree, graduates can enter the workforce or transfer into bachelor’s programs. With transfer credits, students can earn their bachelor’s degrees in as little as one year.
Online Graduate Degrees in South Dakota
Many top-ranked universities in South Dakota offer online graduate degrees, too. For example, USD offers an online MBA program with concentrations in business analytics, finance, health services administration, and marketing. Graduate students can also earn master’s degrees in criminal justice administration, social work, or nursing at USD.
Online graduate programs prioritize flexible scheduling, which appeals to working professionals who must balance school with professional responsibilities. Online programs also typically allow students to complete in-person requirements in their local areas. With a graduate degree, professionals can advance their current careers or move into new fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
South Dakota’s popular online colleges include the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, and Dakota State University.
The state’s best colleges include the University of South Dakota, which is the state’s flagship public university, and South Dakota State University. The state also has private universities.
What school is the best school is different for every student, depending on their intended profession and learning style. Some of the best colleges in South Dakota include public institutions, like the University of South Dakota, and private schools, like Augustana University.
