Special Learning Opportunity
The following table compares the special learning opportunities between best schools in South Dakota including distance learning opportunities, ROTC program, Study abroad, and more special chances of learning. This statistics is based on the latest data from IPEDS, U.S. Department of Education for academic year 2024-2025.
| Rank | Name | Online Class | ROTC | Teacher Cert. | Study Abroad | Weekend/ Evening College | Campus Housing* | Meal Plan** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota State University | Under, Grad | Army, Air Force | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (4,137) | ✔ ($4,000) |
| 2 | Augustana University | Under, Grad | Army, Air Force | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (1,349) | ✔ ($5,100) |
| 3 | University of South Dakota | Under, Grad | Army | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (2,128) | ✔ ($4,150) |
| 4 | Black Hills State University | Under, Grad | Army | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (826) | ✔ ($3,848) |
| 5 | Northern State University | Under, Grad | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (851) | ✔ ($4,250) |
| 6 | University of Sioux Falls | Under, Grad | Air Force | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (759) | ✔ ($4,150) |
| 7 | Dakota State University | Under, Grad | Air Force | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (934) | ✔ ($3,142) |
| 8 | Mount Marty University | Under, Grad | Army | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ (441) | ✔ |
Student Services on Campus
The following table compares the on-campus students services and facilities between best schools in South Dakota including Student Counseling, Employment services for current students, Placement service for program completers, On-campus daycare facility, and library information.
| Rank | Name | Career Counseling | Employment Service | Placement Service | On Campus Daycare | Library Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota State University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 2 | Augustana University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Own Library |
| 3 | University of South Dakota | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Own Library |
| 4 | Black Hills State University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 5 | Northern State University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 6 | University of Sioux Falls | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 7 | Dakota State University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 8 | Mount Marty University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
Athletics Associations
The following table summarizes the alheletic teams and program information of best schools in South Dakota. Among 8 best schools in South Dakota, all schools are NAA members, 6 schools are NCAA members, and 2 schools are NAIA members.
| Rank | Name | Members | Football | Basketball | Baseball | All Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota State University | NAA, NCAA | Missouri Valley Conference | The Summit League | The Summit League | 12 athletic programs |
| 2 | Augustana University | NAA, NCAA | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | 10 athletic programs |
| 3 | University of South Dakota | NAA, NCAA | Missouri Valley Conference | The Summit League | - | 9 athletic programs |
| 4 | Black Hills State University | NAA, NCAA | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference | - | 6 athletic programs |
| 5 | Northern State University | NAA, NCAA | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | 9 athletic programs |
| 6 | University of Sioux Falls | NAA, NCAA | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference | 9 athletic programs |
| 7 | Dakota State University | NAA, NAIA | North Star Athletic Association | North Star Athletic Association | North Star Athletic Association | 6 athletic programs |
| 8 | Mount Marty University | NAA, NAIA | Great Plains Athletic Conference | Great Plains Athletic Conference | Great Plains Athletic Conference | 8 athletic programs |
NAA: National Athletic Association
NCAA: National Collegiate Athletic Association
NAIA: National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
Additional Characteristics
The following table compares and describes additional facts of best schools in South Dakota including religious affiliation, specialized schools, and medical degree offer, and other facts.
| Rank | Name | Religious Affiliation | Historical Black School | Tribal School | Has Hospital | Offer Medical Degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota State University | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 2 | Augustana University | Evangelical Lutheran Church | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 3 | University of South Dakota | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| 4 | Black Hills State University | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 5 | Northern State University | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 6 | University of Sioux Falls | American Baptist | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 7 | Dakota State University | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 8 | Mount Marty University | Roman Catholic | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Top Colleges By Subject
- Tightest Schools To Admit (Lowest Acceptance Rate)
- Affordable Schools To Admit (Highest Acceptance Rate)
- Most Favored Schools (Highest Yield)
- Colleges with Low Yield
- Expensive Colleges (Highest Tuition & Fees)
- Inexpensive Colleges (Lowest Tuition & Fees)
- Colleges with Most Students
- Colleges with Least Students
- Colleges with Most Online Students
- Colleges with Least Online Students
- Colleges with Highest Graduation Rates
- Colleges with Lowest Graduation Rates
- Low Student to Faculty Ratio
- High Student to Faculty Ratio
*dormitory capacity
**yearly costs