For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in South Dakota is $9,435 for South Dakota residents and $9,896 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in South Dakota, the average tuition & fees are $20,556 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 $15,487.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $12,761 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $14,902. 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.
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 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in South Dakota is $23,275 for residents and $23,736 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $34,740. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $13,780 for South Dakota residents and $21,255 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 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 Years Colleges | $23,275 | $23,736 |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $13,780 | $21,255 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $34,740 | |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In South Dakota, 29 out of 29 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 13 public and 10 private colleges in South Dakota. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in South Dakota is $9,435 for South Dakota residents and $9,896 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $20,556
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is - for residents and $7,475 for out-of-state students.
| South Dakota Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $9,435 | $9,896 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $20,556 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | - | $7,475 |
| Less than 2 Years Schools (Trade/Technical Colleges) | $12,021 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In South Dakota, 17 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 $14,509
| South Dakota Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $6,731 | $10,071 |
| Private Schools | $14,509 | |
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 $264 for South Dakota residents and $297 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $505
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $355 for South Dakota residents and $508 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $567
| South Dakota Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $264 | $297 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $505 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | - | $123 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $355 | $508 |
| Private Schools | $567 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in South Dakota
At colleges in South Dakota, the average living cost is $12,761 when a student lives on campus facility and $14,902 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,559 | $13,892 |
| Private Schools | $13,267 | $16,778 |
