For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in South Dakota is $9,416 for South Dakota residents and $9,883 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in South Dakota, the average tuition & fees are $21,612 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in South Dakota is $7,898 for South Dakota residents and $11,078 for out-of-state students. For private schools in South Dakota, the average graduate tuition is $16,044.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $13,500 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $14,913. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
You can compare all South Dakota colleges in various ways:
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in South Dakota is $24,208 for residents and $24,675 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $36,604. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $11,821 for South Dakota residents and $19,368 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| South Dakota Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $24,208 | $24,675 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $36,604 | |
| Community Colleges | $11,821 | $19,368 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In South Dakota, 26 out of 26 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 13 public and 9 private colleges in South Dakota. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in South Dakota is $9,416 for South Dakota residents and $9,883 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $21,612
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is - for residents and $7,547 for out-of-state students.
| South Dakota Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $9,416 | $9,883 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $21,612 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | - | $7,547 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $12,496 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In South Dakota, 16 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in South Dakota is $6,731 for South Dakota residents and $10,071 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $15,016
| South Dakota Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $6,731 | $10,071 |
| Private Schools | $15,016 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in South Dakota is $257 for South Dakota residents and $294 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $517
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $359 for South Dakota residents and $521 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $561
| South Dakota Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $257 | $294 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $517 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | - | $125 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $359 | $521 |
| Private Schools | $561 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in South Dakota
At colleges in South Dakota, the average living cost is $13,500 when a student lives on campus facility and $14,913 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $13,298 | $14,400 |
| Private Schools | $13,955 | $15,866 |
