Getting a college degree today doesn’t always mean leaving home or moving to a campus. Online learning has made it possible for students across South Dakota to study while working, raising a family, or handling other commitments. The state’s colleges have embraced this approach, offering programs that combine flexibility with the same quality of instruction found in traditional classrooms.
This article takes a close look at the best online colleges in South Dakota, highlighting the programs they offer, how they support students, and why they stand out. If your goal is to earn a bachelor’s in business, pursue a master’s in nursing, or gain skills in technology or education, there’s an option that fits your schedule and ambitions.
Schools like the University of South Dakota, Dakota State University, Northern State University, and others provide a mix of undergraduate and graduate programs, certificates, and professional courses fully online. Students benefit from experienced faculty, online resources, and structured curricula designed to prepare them for careers while allowing them to study from anywhere in the state.
In the sections that follow, we’ll explore each college’s online offerings in detail, covering program variety, flexibility, and the support systems that make earning an online degree in South Dakota both practical and rewarding.
Best Online Colleges in South Dakota
1. University of South Dakota
If you’re looking for flexibility in your education, the University of South Dakota’s online programs make it possible to study from wherever you are. USD offers more than 50 fully‑accredited online degree programs and hundreds of courses.
The same faculty teach both online and on‑campus classes, so you’re not getting a watered‑down version. Key areas include business, health sciences, education, and nursing, and whether you’re after a full degree or just taking a few courses for professional development, there are options. USD keeps tuition the same for in‑state and out‑of‑state online students.
USD is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its online degrees maintain the same academic standards as on‑campus programs.
2. Dakota State University
Dakota State University’s online education is designed around your life and schedule. You can study “anywhere, anytime” using their digital platform and take the same courses taught on campus by the same professors.
Online students receive full support from advisors and resources that on‑campus students get. DSU uses a pay‑by‑credit‑hour model, so you only pay for classes you take, making it more affordable and flexible. They list a 99 % placement rate for graduates, which shows they’re focused on outcomes as well as access.
DSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
3. Northern State University (Aberdeen)
Northern State University makes online learning accessible, flexible, and affordable. You can take individual courses or complete full degree programs entirely online, with tuition set at a competitive rate of approximately $365.05 per credit hour for undergraduates and $484.10 for graduate students.
Faculty are described as friendly and reachable, and students get the same guidance and support as on‑campus learners. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, NSU gives you the option to learn at your own pace while earning a valuable credential. Northern State is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
4. University of Sioux Falls (Sioux Falls)
The University of Sioux Falls offers a range of fully online bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs geared toward busy adults and working professionals. You’ll find online degrees in business administration, accounting, elementary education, special education, general studies, and more.
Courses are designed for flexibility so you can fit study around your life, and you’ll have access to full student support services virtually. It’s a strong option if you want the recognition of a private university but need to study remotely.
USF is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
5. Black Hills State University (Spearfish)
Black Hills State University (BHSU) makes online study practical and accessible for a wide range of learners. Undergraduate and graduate courses can be completed entirely online, including a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (fully online) and online M.S. and M.Ed.‑level programs in areas like curriculum, instruction, and strategic leadership.
BHSU also partners with external providers (such as ed2go) to offer short‑term online training in subjects like graphic design, business, computer applications, health‑and‑fitness and other career‑training areas.
The online format is designed for flexibility while delivering the same rigour and faculty expertise you’d expect in‑person. BHSU is a member of the South Dakota public university system; its online programs are approved for online delivery.
6. South Dakota State University (Brookings)
South Dakota State University (SDSU) offers a full array of online and off‑campus degree options, making it possible to pursue an undergraduate degree, graduate studies, or certifications largely or entirely online.
Programs span fields such as agriculture & environmental law, animal science (graduate level), as well as business, education, nursing, and general studies. Their partnership with the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA) allows SDSU to deliver online certificates and full degree programmes in collaboration with other institutions.
Online students receive access to the same faculty and academic resources as on‑campus students, which ensures academic quality alongside flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What types of degrees can I earn online in South Dakota?
You can earn bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and professional certificates entirely online. Programs cover business, healthcare, nursing, education, engineering, computer science, and more.
2. Are online programs in South Dakota the same as on-campus programs?
Yes. Online students follow the same curriculum and are taught by the same professors as on-campus students. The quality of instruction and academic standards are identical.
3. Can I study online if I live outside South Dakota?
Absolutely. Most online programs accept both in-state and out-of-state students, and tuition is often competitive.
4. How flexible are online courses?
Online courses are designed to fit around work, family, or other commitments. Many programs let you study asynchronously, meaning you can complete coursework on your own schedule.
5. Do online students have access to support services?
Yes. Online students can access academic advising, libraries, tutoring, career services, and technical support, just like on-campus students.
6. Are online degrees recognized by employers?
Yes. Online degrees from accredited South Dakota colleges are fully recognized and hold the same value as on-campus degrees. Accreditation ensures employers know the program meets rigorous academic standards.
7. Which online programs in South Dakota are most in demand?
Programs in nursing, business administration, computer science, engineering, and education are among the most popular and often lead to high-paying careers.