Sinte Gleska University
Sinte Gleska University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Sinte Gleska University at a Glance
Sinte Gleska University (SGU) is a public tribal land-grant university in Mission, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. It is a Brulé Lakota Indian Reservation home to the Sicangu. SGU has an enrollment of 828 full and part-time students. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Is Sinte Gleska University Worth It?
At a value score of 3/100, Sinte Gleska University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $20,948 — 61% below average — while paying $12,768/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.4-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 6% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 1 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Sinte Gleska University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Sinte Gleska University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #5 of 5 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Escuela de Artes Plasticas y Diseno de Puerto Rico | 43 | $5,669 | $21,790 |
| #2 | Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music | 41 | $7,260 | $19,474 |
| #3 | University of Puerto Rico-Utuado | 11 | $13,648 | $23,906 |
| #4 | Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development | 10 | $12,570 | $24,505 |
| #5 | Sinte Gleska University | 3 | $12,768 | $20,948 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Sinte Gleska University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Sinte Gleska University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Sinte Gleska University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,768/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in SD
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Mission, SD
- Student Body
- 487 students
- Graduation Rate
- 6%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,768
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $20,948