Best Colleges in South Dakota

18
Universities
7
Community Colleges
25
Total Institutions

Explore 25 colleges and universities in South Dakota, ranked by the Repit College Score. Our ratings evaluate graduation rates, affordability, resources, and student experience.

#1
C+

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD • 2,158 students
Private Non-Profit
76%
Grad Rate
#2
C+

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, SD • 2,492 students
Public
58%
Grad Rate
$20k
Net Price
#3
C+

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD • 11,498 students
Public
60%
Grad Rate
$18k
Net Price
#4
C+

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD • 9,868 students
Public
61%
Grad Rate
$18k
Net Price
#5
C+

Mount Marty University

Yankton, SD • 1,314 students
Private Non-Profit
61%
Grad Rate
#6
C+

Sisseton Wahpeton College

Sisseton, SD • 215 students
Public
13%
Grad Rate
$3k
Net Price
#7
C+

Oglala Lakota College

Kyle, SD • 1,229 students
Public
11%
Grad Rate
$4k
Net Price
18%
Off-Campus
#8
C+

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD • 3,521 students
Public
52%
Grad Rate
$17k
Net Price
#9
C

National American University-Rapid City

Rapid City, SD • 1,026 students
Private For-Profit
60%
Grad Rate
#10
C

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, SD • 3,475 students
Public
39%
Grad Rate
$16k
Net Price
#11
C

Dakota State University

Madison, SD • 3,508 students
Public
49%
Grad Rate
$19k
Net Price
#12
C

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD • 1,509 students
Private Non-Profit
61%
Grad Rate
#13
C

Sinte Gleska University

Mission, SD • 683 students
Public
0%
Grad Rate
$7k
Net Price
21%
Off-Campus
#14
C

Kairos University

Sioux Falls, SD • 1,105 students
Private Non-Profit
#15
C

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD • 886 students
Private Non-Profit
46%
Grad Rate
#16
D

National American University-Ellsworth

Box Elder, SD • 63 students
Private For-Profit
#17
D

Institute of Lutheran Theology

Brookings, SD • 140 students
Private Non-Profit
#18
D

California Intercontinental University

Sioux Falls, SD • 484 students
Private For-Profit
10%
Grad Rate

Cities with Multiple Colleges

Rapid City 3 colleges
Brookings 2 colleges
Mitchell 2 colleges
Sioux Falls 7 colleges
Yankton 2 colleges

About College Rankings in South Dakota

The Repit College Score ranks 25 colleges and universities in South Dakota based on outcomes (graduation rates, retention), affordability (net cost, financial aid), resources (class sizes, faculty ratios), and student experience (campus life, housing options).

4-Year Universities (18): Bachelor's degree-granting institutions including public universities, private colleges, and research institutions.

2-Year Colleges (7): Community colleges and technical schools offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in South Dakota

How many colleges are in South Dakota?

There are 25 accredited colleges and universities in South Dakota tracked by Repit, including 18 4-year institutions and 7 community colleges. Each school is rated using our proprietary scoring system that evaluates outcomes, affordability, and resources.

How does Repit rate colleges?

Repit rates colleges on a 100-point scale across five categories: Outcomes (graduation and retention rates), Affordability (net cost and financial aid), Resources (class sizes and selectivity), Experience (campus life and learning format), and Prestige (reputation and recognition). Each factor is weighted and combined into an overall score and letter grade.

Should I attend a public or private college in South Dakota?

South Dakota has both public and private institutions. Public schools often offer lower tuition for state residents, while private schools may provide more financial aid. Compare net prices and outcomes using Repit's detailed college profiles to find the best value for your situation.

Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: September 2026 | Methodology