Online Schools and Colleges in South Dakota

From community colleges and large universities to specialty colleges for members of the Sioux tribe, South Dakota has much to offer students looking to further their education. Career-oriented studies include agriculture, finance and high tech, mirroring some of the state’s key industries. Technology infuses the educational landscape, with online learning programs offering broad options for students seeking a variety of different degrees offered in flexible settings. Private and public universities both offer online degrees, certificates and courses, but public institutions provide more opportunities than nonprofit private colleges. Dakota State University, South Dakota State and University of South Dakota are some of the biggest public schools by enrollment, and their online programs reflect that breadth with multiple baccalaureate, graduate and certificate programs. While South Dakota offers some online learning opportunities for K-12 students, most of these students do not have a public, fully-online education available to them.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

In South Dakota, roughly 40% of college students took at least one online course in 2015. The state offers diverse online programs, including top-level undergraduate and graduate degrees, technical training, professional development, and adult education. Online programs give students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. They also allow students to attend the top programs in the country without relocating.

This guide covers important information for students considering online schools and colleges in South Dakota, including financial aid opportunities, programs and resources for nontraditional students, and the importance of accreditation.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

With just over 55 square miles of space, Rapid City holds five colleges, universities and career centers for students looking for higher education options. Along with these institutions, some include programs with distance learning for those who require flexibility and minimal on-campus time. Even colleges with a heavy technical focus use current technology such as video streaming to add elements of online learning.

Choosing from the abundant online schools and colleges in South Dakota can feel overwhelming. Students can take advantage of resources like SelectDakota and the Electronic University Consortium of South Dakota to help narrow their choices. Students can also review all of the accredited online schools in the state through the following resource.SEARCH ALL ACCREDITED SCHOOLS IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Typically, graduates with a college degree earn higher salaries and enjoy more career opportunities than professionals without a degree. Additionally, the following table illustrates that professionals across the country generally make more money with each level of educational attainment that they achieve.

Source: BLS

On average, South Dakota students pay less for their education when compared to the national average. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition for in-state students in South Dakota is $8,500, compared to the national average of about $9,000. Additionally, out-of-state students at South Dakota schools pay less than half of the national average.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

The tables above do not include education expenses beyond tuition, such as room and board and travel fees. The following list covers several common cost considerations for online students.

To qualify for in-state tuition, students must typically live in South Dakota for at least one year before they plan to begin classes. Students may need to submit proof of residency, such as a South Dakota driver’s license, voter registration card, or vehicle registration.

However, some online programs allow all students to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of where they live. Students should research the residency requirements at each prospective school.

Students in South Dakota can access a variety of financial aid opportunities, such as loans, scholarships, and grants. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment. We cover several scholarship and grant opportunities for South Dakota students below.

FINANCIAL AID FOR ONLINE SCHOOLS

Accreditation indicates that a school meets high academic standards with respect to student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic rigor. Attending an accredited school expands employment, education, and financial aid opportunities.

Schools may receive national or regional accreditation. Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions, while national accreditation applies to for-profit, vocational and technical schools. Regional accreditation is generally considered the more prestigious of the two. Various regional accrediting bodies accredit schools based on where the school is located. The Higher Learning Commission accredits South Dakota schools.

Certain programs within a school may also receive accreditation, such as business, social work, and teaching programs. Some professions require that students hold a degree from an accredited program to qualify for certification or licensure. Students should research the accreditation requirements for their intended career path.

Most schools and programs feature their accreditation status on their websites. Students can also verify accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Adult learners in South Dakota can take advantage of many resources and programs to help them earn their high school diploma, finish their degree, and learn technical skills. We cover several of these opportunities in the following sections.

61,000 South Dakotans do not have a high school diploma.

South Dakota and the federal government invest about $1.6 million in adult education annually.

66% of men and 34% of women in South Dakota do not have a high school education.

Source: U.S. Department of Education

Current and prospective online students in South Dakota can take advantage of many resources to support their studies. The following resources offer information on topics like financial aid opportunities, online program availability, and career planning.