Online Schools and Colleges in South Dakota
City Spotlight: Colleges in South Dakota
Rapid City, SD
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.
Colleges and Universities in Rapid City
| COLLEGE | SIZE | TUITION | TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | 2,721 | $3,430 | Public |
| Western Dakota Technical Institute | 1,563 | $3,040 | Public |
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in South Dakota?
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
How Much More Do College Grads in South Dakota Make?
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.
Annual Full-Time Wage and Salary by Educational Attainment in the U.S.
| LESS THAN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE |
|---|---|---|
| $28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
| BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|
| $62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Source: BLS
Paying for Online College in South Dakota: Tuition and Financial Aid
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.
Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Public Colleges and Universities
| IN-STATE TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|---|---|---|
| $8,540 | $12,060 | $9,037 (In-State)$25,657 (Out-of-State) |
Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Private Colleges and Universities
| TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|---|---|---|
| $24,219 | N/A | $30,731 |
Cost Considerations for Online Students in South Dakota
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.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in South Dakota
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.
Paying for College in South Dakota: Scholarships and Financial Aid
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.
Scholarships for South Dakota College Students
Grants for South Dakota College Students
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in South Dakota
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.
Regional and National Accreditation
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.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
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.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
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.
Online College and Adult Education in South Dakota
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.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in South Dakota
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
Adult Education Programs for South Dakota Students
Online College Resources for South Dakota Students
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.
