While South Dakota is among one of the largest states by area, it is also among one of the smaller states in population density. In 2013, South Dakota had 31 post-secondary schools and an estimated 75,000 students enrolled in degree seeking programs. Today, nine of the state's four-year universities offer online degree programs, including South Dakota State University which provides a number of bachelor's and master's degrees to distance learners.
South Dakota public schools experienced a spike in tuition costs between 2004 and 2014, with a 49% increase among two-year public schools and a 40% increase among four-year schools. Taking a closer look at recent trends, tuition increased 20.5% between 2008 and 2013 at four-year public schools, whereas other states at the high end of the spectrum experienced an 80% increase in fees during the same time. This inflation increase can be partially credited to an 18.4% decrease in state funding for higher education between 2008 and 2014. Despite rising tuition costs, enrollment in South Dakota public institutions has continued to increase. Between 2002 and 2012, the state experienced an overall 14% increase in enrollment, slightly lower than the 19% national average. South Dakota institutions have a 48.4% graduation rate and a 71.7% first year student retention rate.
Find more information on South Dakota's distance learning degree programs in our extensive school database below. In the Higher Education Initiatives section, you'll find information on scholarships and financial assistance programs, such as the South Dakota Education Access Foundation. This Foundation is committed to assisting low income and disadvantaged students find scholarships and funding for higher education.
Featured Online Programs
21 Colleges in South Dakota
Additional Resources
Official State Links
- South Dakota Board of Regents
- South Dakota Department of Education
- Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
College Savings
- College Access 529: South Dakota offers Direct Sold or Advisor Sold 529 plans, allowing students and families to choose whether they want to work with a financial firm or independently arrange a savings plan. As with other 529 plans, South Dakota's framework allows for multiple investment options, including age-based choices. Students can also choose a national 529 plan because the state doesn't provide income tax breaks (since residents don't pay personal income tax).
Education Nonprofits
- South Dakota Education Access Foundation: This nonprofit is committed to helping young people learn about and attend institutions of higher education in the state. They work specifically to support disadvantaged and low income students by providing funds for colleges and universities to create scholarships aimed at those students.
- Tiospaye Program: This student organization is affiliated with the University of South Dakota and works to bring Native American students to college and to help Native students who are already on campus. The organization acts as a touchpoint for Native American students at USD, and members often visit high schools to work with students who may need help with the transition to higher education.
Higher Education News
- South Dakota Board of Regents Press Room: The state agency in charge of higher education maintains a section of their site devoted to college and university news and trends.
- Aberdeen News: Higher Education: This section of the American News site focuses specifically on colleges and universities in South Dakota; while many are in the Aberdeen area, news reaches across the state.
- Education Week South Dakota: This national publication includes the option of narrowing news by state, meaning readers can focus on education trends specific to South Dakota.