Best Public Colleges in South Dakota
Nestled in the American Midwest and characterized by its beautiful landscapes, South Dakota is not just about Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. The state is also home to various quality public higher education institutions that provide a rich blend of academic offerings and extracurricular opportunities. Let’s explore the cream of the crop in South Dakota’s public college scene.
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
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A renowned institution in Rapid City, this school specializes in engineering and science disciplines, preparing students for careers in STEM-related fields.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The average annual in-state tuition is approximately $10,500. Enrollment hovers around 2,800 students and the SAT range for admitted students is 1150-1350.
South Dakota State University
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Located in Brookings, SDSU is the state’s largest institution. It offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, with agriculture, nursing, and engineering among the most prominent.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
In-state tuition averages $9,200 per year. The university enrolls around 12,000 students with an SAT range of 1080-1290.
University of South Dakota
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In Vermillion, USD is known for its business, law, and medical programs. It offers a holistic educational experience, emphasizing research and community engagement.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Annual in-state tuition is around $9,300. With approximately 10,000 students, the SAT range for admissions is 1030-1240.
Dakota State University
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Located in Madison, DSU stands out for its focus on technology, cybersecurity, and business. The institution prides itself on preparing students for the digital age.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Residents pay an average of $9,500 annually. The university enrolls around 3,500 students; the SAT range is 970-1200.
Northern State University
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In Aberdeen, NSU is recognized for its arts, business, and education programs. The university fosters a close-knit community atmosphere.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual tuition for in-state students is roughly $8,500. NSU has around 3,600 students, with an SAT range of 950-1180.
Black Hills State University
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Located in Spearfish, BHSU offers a diverse curriculum with strengths in education, business, and liberal arts.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Residents can expect to pay an average annual tuition of $8,900. The university’s enrollment is about 4,000 students, with an SAT range of 930-1160.
Oglala Lakota College
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Situated in Kyle, OLC is dedicated to serving the Oglala Lakota Nation. It emphasizes Native American studies, education, and arts.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The average annual tuition is around $2,600. The college enrolls approximately 1,300 students. Specific SAT range data might not be available due to its unique admissions criteria.
BHSU Online
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This online platform offers flexible business, education, and social sciences programs, allowing students to study at their own pace.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition varies by program but is competitive compared to on-campus rates. Enrollment and SAT ranges are integrated with Black Hills State University’s main statistics.
Dakota State University Online
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DSU’s online platform provides information systems, business, and health informatics courses.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Online tuition costs are contingent on the program. Enrollment and SAT ranges align with Dakota State University’s overall stats.
Northern State University Online
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NSU Online offers finance, marketing, and general studies programs for working professionals and distant learners.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition costs vary by program, and SAT range and enrollment data align with Northern State University’s leading figures.
Best Public Colleges in Three Other States
Best Public Colleges in North Dakota
With institutions like the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University, Peace Garden State promises robust educational experiences.
Best Public Colleges in Nebraska
Nebraska boasts prominent institutions like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, known for its research and diverse academic programs.
Best Public Colleges in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to the esteemed University of Minnesota system, offering top-tier education across various disciplines.
How a High SAT Score Helps
A high SAT score can significantly bolster college applications, increasing the chances of admission to competitive schools. Besides academic recognition, it can also unlock numerous scholarship opportunities, reducing the financial burden of higher education. Furthermore, a stellar score reflects a student’s commitment and preparedness for rigorous college-level coursework.
South Dakota’s public colleges offer a blend of traditional and online experiences, catering to a diverse student body. Whether interested in engineering, the arts, or anything in between, Mount Rushmore State has an institution ready to support your academic ambitions.
