When you think online colleges, think flexibility, think convenience, and comfort. With online education, you can take your classes, complete assignments, and have group discussions entirely online. This mode of education gained more popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and has seen steady growth since then. Online colleges are ideal for students who are pressed for time to attend classes in person. You can take your courses from the comfort of your couch or at your favorite cafe.
South Dakota State boasts quite several great online colleges. These colleges offer online programs across all disciplines like nursing, business, computer science, arts, etc. If you are considering enrolling in an online college in South Dakota, go through our list of the best online colleges in South Dakota to help you pick the ideal place for your studies.
Top 5 Online Colleges in South Dakota
Best colleges in South Dakota
1. University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public research university in Vermillion, South Dakota, United States. It was established in 1862, making it the oldest university in the state. USD offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its various colleges and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, Beacom School of Business, School of Education, School of Health Sciences, and School of Law.
USD’s business school provides online options for both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA, featuring five specialized tracks like business analytics and health services administration. Other bachelor’s degrees offered online cover fields such as health sciences, dental hygiene, nursing, criminal justice, and addiction studies.
USD also offers 11 master’s programs online, including educational administration, social work, and public health, alongside an online Ph.D. program in health sciences. USD’s online tuition rates are uniform for both in-state and out-of-state students.
2. South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a public research university in Brookings, South Dakota, United States. Founded in 1881, it is the state’s largest and oldest university. SDSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its various colleges and schools.
SDSU provides online options for four associate degrees and nine bachelor’s degrees. Apart from general studies, online undergraduates can pursue fields like geography, human development, nursing, and psychology. Additionally, undergraduates have the choice of minors such as criminal justice and mental health services.
Furthermore, SDSU offers 16 online master’s degrees, featuring programs like agricultural education and merchandising. Typically, online graduate programs at SDSU offer capstone choices such as a thesis or research project.
3. Dakota State University
Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university in Madison, South Dakota, United States. It was established in 1881 and specializes in computer and information technology programs, earning a reputation as a leader in cyber education. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its various colleges and schools.
DSU extends online access to South Dakota residents for six associate degrees, 14 bachelor’s degrees, seven master’s degrees, and three doctorates, along with various undergraduate and graduate certificates. Among the undergraduate online programs are accounting, computer science, elementary education, and health information administration. DSU mandates proctored exams for online courses.
4. Northern State University
Northern State University (NSU) is a public university in Aberdeen, South Dakota, United States. Established in 1901, NSU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its various colleges and schools.
NSU’s online graduate offerings feature a 36-credit master’s program in banking and financial services. Educators have a choice of online master’s degrees in leadership and administration, music education, and teaching and learning. The music education program incorporates one-week summer residencies on campus.
Online learners at NSU have access to a range of services akin to those offered to on-campus students, encompassing tutoring, writing support, disability accommodations, and health services.
5. Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a public university located in Spearfish, South Dakota, United States. Established in 1883, BHSU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its different colleges and schools.
BHSU offers an online bachelor’s degree in business administration with a general studies track and a specialization option in management. General studies students must take a capstone course and complete 15 credits in three areas of emphasis.
BHSU also offers online master’s degrees in sustainability, strategic leadership, curriculum and instruction, secondary education, and reading. The strategic leadership program uses an executive cohort model. The one- or two-year secondary education degree prepares graduates for teacher certification, combining distance learning with two practica and a stint of student teaching.
Admission requirements vary by program. First-year applicants must possess a minimum 2.6 GPA, a score of at least 18 or 970 on the ACT or SAT, or rank in the top 60% of their high school class. Online students may access support services, including library services, technical support, and advising.
Cost of Online Colleges in South Dakota
According to the NCES, the average tuition and fees for public, four-year institutions in South Dakota for the 2021-2022 academic year were approximately $9,331 for in-state students and $12,831 for out-of-state students. For private non-profit institutions, the average tuition and fees were significantly higher, around $28,226 per year.
Specific institutions like the University of South Dakota (USD) and South Dakota State University (SDSU) offer a variety of online programs, and their tuition rates are competitive compared to national averages. USD, for example, charges the same tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state online students, which simplifies the cost structure for prospective students (National Center for Education Statistics).
Most In-Demand Jobs in South Dakota
Here are some of the most in-demand jobs in South Dakota along with their average salaries for 2024:-
- Registered Nurses: $60,000 – $80,000
- Industrial Mechanics: $50,000 – $70,000
- Software Developers: $92,721 – $112,039
- Truck Drivers: $40,000 – $70,000
- Medical Technicians: $50,000 – $70,000
- Electricians: $50,000 – $70,000
- Field Service Technicians: $45,000 – $65,000
- Demand Generation Managers: $87,000 – $107,000
- Independent Claims Adjusters: $300+ per claim