Choosing a college in South Dakota doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in South Dakota are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in South Dakota , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 11 four-year South Dakota Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $18,132, reflecting a 2.07% increase compared to the previous year.
California Intercontinental University ranks as the least expensive South Dakota colleges. With tuition and fees at just $9,504, California Intercontinental University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Northern State University at$11,947 and Black Hills State University at$12,018 both consistently recognized among the South Dakota Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable South Dakota Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 84.98%, and the average SAT score is 1,168, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | California Intercontinental University Sioux Falls, SDPrivate, 4-year | $9,504 $450 | $10,674 - | - | 623 | - | 10.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 2 - | Northern State University Aberdeen, SDPublic, 4-year | $11,947 ($8,845) - | $11,936 ($6,736) - | 93.00% | 3,708 | 1,060 | 49.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 3 - | Black Hills State University Spearfish, SDPublic, 4-year | $12,018 ($8,916) - | $15,849 ($8,916) - | 96.33% | 3,346 | 1,060 | 43.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 4 - | Dakota State University Madison, SDPublic, 4-year | $12,756 ($9,654) $21 | $11,931 ($6,731) - | 88.05% | 3,774 | 1,320 | 51.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 5 - | South Dakota State University Brookings, SDPublic, 4-year | $12,809 ($9,299) - | $16,917 ($9,384) - | 98.34% | 12,056 | 1,130 | 62.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 6 - | University of South Dakota Vermillion, SDPublic, 4-year | $12,942 ($9,432) - | $12,768 ($7,118) - | 98.78% | 10,619 | 1,205 | 60.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 7 - | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SDPublic, 4-year | $14,900 ($10,500) $100 | $14,600 ($8,500) - | 79.87% | 2,576 | 1,230 | 53.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 8 - | National American University-Rapid City Rapid City, SDPrivate, 4-year | $16,065 - | $16,425 - | - | 903 | - | 60.00% | 6 to 1 |
| 9 - | University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, SDPrivate, 4-year | $21,750 $1,010 | $7,470 $135 | 82.89% | 1,450 | - | 63.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 10 - | Mount Marty University Yankton, SDPrivate, 4-year | $34,600 $1,500 | $16,499 $2,235 | 42.57% | 1,284 | - | 52.00% | 12 to 1 |
| Average | $15,929 ($9,441) | $13,507 ($7,898) | 84.98% | 4,034 | 1,168 | 50.30% | 15 to 1 |