1. University of South Dakota (USD)
The University of South Dakota (USD), located in Vermillion, is the flagship university of the state. Established in 1862, USD offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, health sciences, law, and arts and sciences. With a student population of approximately 10,000, USD fosters a vibrant academic community known for its research initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, and commitment to student success.
U.S. News Ranking: 259 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 10,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Average SAT Score: 1050-1250
Extracurricular activities at USD include student clubs and organizations, intramural sports, community service projects, cultural events, and professional development programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Tom Brokaw – Journalist and former anchor of NBC Nightly News
- George S. Mickelson – Former Governor of South Dakota
- Stephanie Herseth Sandlin – Former U.S. Representative for South Dakota
- Mike Miller – Former NBA player
- Tim Johnson – Former U.S. Senator for South Dakota
Top employers of USD graduates include Sanford Health, Avera Health, Citibank, John Morrell & Co., and University of South Dakota itself.
2. South Dakota State University (SDSU)
South Dakota State University (SDSU), located in Brookings, is the state’s largest and most comprehensive university. Founded in 1881, SDSU offers over 200 academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, encompassing fields such as agriculture, engineering, nursing, education, and arts and sciences. With a student body of approximately 12,000, SDSU prides itself on its research activities, industry partnerships, and commitment to serving the community.
U.S. News Ranking: 284 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 12,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Average SAT Score: 1020-1230
Extracurricular activities at SDSU include student government, academic and professional organizations, research opportunities, cultural events, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Adam Vinatieri – Former NFL placekicker
- Mike Rounds – U.S. Senator for South Dakota
- Stephanie Herseth Sandlin – Former U.S. Representative for South Dakota
- Myron Floren – Musician (The Lawrence Welk Show)
- George S. Mickelson – Former Governor of South Dakota
Top employers of SDSU graduates include Sanford Health, Avera Health, Poet, Daktronics, and South Dakota State University itself.
3. Dakota State University (DSU)
Dakota State University (DSU), located in Madison, is a public university known for its focus on technology, computer science, and cybersecurity. Established in 1881, DSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as computer science, digital arts, education, and business administration. With a student body of around 3,000, DSU emphasizes hands-on learning, innovation, and preparing students for careers in high-demand fields.
U.S. News Ranking: 127 (Regional Universities Midwest)
Number of Students: Approximately 3,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Average SAT Score: 980-1200
Extracurricular activities at DSU include cyber defense competitions, technology-related clubs, community service projects, professional development workshops, and intramural sports.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Kristi Noem – Governor of South Dakota
- Dusty Johnson – U.S. Representative for South Dakota
- Tim Johnson – Former U.S. Senator for South Dakota
- Jodi Rave – Journalist and founder of Native American Journalists Association
- Jon Hunter – Former NFL player
Top employers of DSU graduates include Raven Industries, Poet, Daktronics, Avera Health, and Dakota State University itself.
4. Northern State University (NSU)
Northern State University (NSU), located in Aberdeen, is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1901, NSU is known for its strong programs in education, business, fine arts, and health sciences. With a student population of approximately 3,500, NSU provides a supportive learning environment focused on academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking: 79 (Regional Universities Midwest)
Number of Students: Approximately 3,500
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Average SAT Score: 960-1170
Extracurricular activities at NSU include student clubs and organizations, music ensembles, theater productions, community service projects, and intramural sports.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Larry Pressler – Former U.S. Senator for South Dakota
- Kip Kovar – Former NFL player
- Ben Reifel – Former U.S. Representative for South Dakota
- Mike Durfee – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Larry W. Dessem – Legal scholar and former dean of the University of Missouri School of Law
Top employers of NSU graduates include Aberdeen School District, Avera Health, Sanford Health, 3M, and Northern State University itself.
5. Augustana University
Augustana University, located in Sioux Falls, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Founded in 1860, Augustana offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, and professional fields. With a student body of around 2,000, Augustana provides a personalized education characterized by academic rigor, experiential learning, and a commitment to the liberal arts tradition.
U.S. News Ranking: 13 (Regional Universities Midwest)
Number of Students: Approximately 2,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Average SAT Score: 1080-1310
Extracurricular activities at Augustana include student-run organizations, study abroad programs, research opportunities, fine arts performances, and Division II athletics.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Jim Abdnor – Former U.S. Senator for South Dakota
- Bob Burns – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Stephanie Herseth Sandlin – Former U.S. Representative for South Dakota
- Tom Dempster – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Zach Borg – Sports journalist and anchor
Top employers of Augustana University graduates include Sanford Health, Avera Health, Citibank, Raven Industries, and Augustana University itself.
6. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SD Mines)
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SD Mines), located in Rapid City, is a public university specializing in science, engineering, and technology. Established in 1885, SD Mines offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, applied science, mathematics, and computer science. With a student population of around 2,800, SD Mines is renowned for its hands-on learning experiences, cutting-edge research facilities, and strong industry connections.
U.S. News Ranking: 156 (National Universities)
Number of Students: Approximately 2,800
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Average SAT Score: 1190-1400
Extracurricular activities at SD Mines include engineering competitions, research projects, professional societies, outdoor recreation clubs, and intramural sports.
5 Famous Alumni:
- James B. Pearson – Former U.S. Senator for Kansas
- Fred Whipple – Astronomer and comet researcher
- Roger R. Revelle – Oceanographer and climate scientist
- Arden L. Bement Jr. – Former Director of the National Science Foundation
- Joanne Simpson – Meteorologist and atmospheric scientist
Top employers of SD Mines graduates include Barrick Gold Corporation, Caterpillar Inc., Daktronics, Black Hills Corporation, and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology itself.
7. University of Sioux Falls (USF)
The University of Sioux Falls (USF), located in Sioux Falls, is a private Christian university affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. Founded in 1883, USF offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business, education, healthcare, and the arts. With a student body of approximately 1,500, USF provides a values-based education focused on academic excellence, faith integration, and service to others.
U.S. News Ranking: 64 (Regional Universities Midwest)
Number of Students: Approximately 1,500
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Average SAT Score: 990-1220
Extracurricular activities at USF include student ministries, service-learning projects, fine arts performances, athletic programs, and campus organizations.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Tom Dempster – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Roger Hunt – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Scott L. Heidepriem – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Elizabeth Kraus – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Paul Lepage – Former Governor of Maine
Top employers of University of Sioux Falls graduates include Sanford Health, Avera Health, Wells Fargo, Hy-Vee, and University of Sioux Falls itself.
8. Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU)
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU), located in Mitchell, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Established in 1885, DWU offers undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, professional studies, and healthcare fields. With a student population of around 1,000, DWU emphasizes experiential learning, leadership development, and service to the community.
U.S. News Ranking: 22 (Regional Colleges Midwest)
Number of Students: Approximately 1,000
Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Average SAT Score: 970-1150
Extracurricular activities at DWU include student organizations, community service projects, spiritual life programs, fine arts performances, and intramural sports.
5 Famous Alumni:
- George T. Mickelson – Former Governor of South Dakota
- Ben Nesselhuf – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Kristi Noem – Governor of South Dakota
- Eric Oden – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Roger Hunt – Former South Dakota State Senator
Top employers of Dakota Wesleyan University graduates include Sanford Health, Avera Health, Mitchell School District, Wells Fargo, and Dakota Wesleyan University itself.
9. Presentation College
Presentation College, located in Aberdeen, is a private Catholic college offering undergraduate programs in healthcare, nursing, and allied health professions. Established in 1951 by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Presentation College provides a supportive learning environment focused on academic excellence, healthcare education, and service to diverse populations.
U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked (Regional Colleges Midwest)
Number of Students: Approximately 800
Degrees Offered: Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in healthcare fields
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Average SAT Score: Not Available
Extracurricular activities at Presentation College include student clubs and organizations, clinical experiences, community outreach projects, religious activities, and athletic programs.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Mark Anderson – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Jerry Apa – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Frank Kloucek – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Bill Kuxhaus – Former South Dakota State Senator
- Paul Symens – Former South Dakota State Senator
Top employers of Presentation College graduates include Sanford Health, Avera Health, Mayo Clinic Health System, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, and Presentation College itself.
10. Oglala Lakota College (OLC)
Oglala Lakota College (OLC), located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Kyle, is a public tribal college serving the Lakota Sioux people. Established in 1971, OLC offers associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in fields such as Lakota Studies, business, education, and natural resources. With a student population of approximately 1,500, OLC provides culturally relevant education grounded in Lakota values, language, and traditions.
U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked (Regional Colleges Midwest)
Number of Students: Approximately 1,500
Degrees Offered: Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in various fields
Acceptance Rate: Not Available
Average SAT Score: Not Applicable
Extracurricular activities at OLC include cultural events, powwows, traditional ceremonies, community service projects, and indigenous language revitalization efforts.
5 Famous Alumni:
- Wilmer Mesteth – Lakota language advocate and educator
- Billy Mills – Olympic gold medalist in track and field
- Theresa Two Bulls – Former President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe
- Bryan Brewer – Former President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe
- Cecilia Fire Thunder – Former President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe
Top employers of Oglala Lakota College graduates include tribal government agencies, tribal schools, healthcare facilities, tribal businesses, and Oglala Lakota College itself.