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Sisseton Wahpeton College

Sisseton, SD
publicWebsite
42
Value
#1932
Quality Rank
Score: 17.1/100
42
Value Score
out of 100
Median Earnings (10yr)
$31,546
-41% vs average
Net Price / Year
$2,977
-85% vs average
Graduation Rate
16%
Payback Period
0.4 years
Median Debt
N/A
Student Body
194

Sisseton Wahpeton College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)

Source: U.S. Dept of Education (College Scorecard)CollegeValueRanked

Sisseton Wahpeton College at a Glance

Sisseton Wahpeton College (SWC) is a public tribal land-grant college of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate on the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota. It was established in 1979 and serves the Dakota people and the general public. SWC has an average enrollment of about 250 students, of whom more than 80% are tribal members. It has both vocational and academic programs, which includes certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees as well as articulation arrangements with other universi…

Founded

1979

47 years old

Students

250

Identity

Athletics: MustangsPresident: Erica Holmes
Sources:Wikipedia

Is Sisseton Wahpeton College Worth It?

Sisseton Wahpeton College offers moderate value at $2,977/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $31,546, which is 41% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.

The investment pays for itself in just 0.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.

A 16% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.

Best Programs at Sisseton Wahpeton College

Program-level earnings data isn't available for Sisseton Wahpeton College. 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

$11,908

Based on $2,977/yr net price × 4 years

Earnings Premium

-41%

vs. national average of $53,787/yr

Payback Period

0.4 years

Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings

10-Year Net Gain

$303,552

Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance

Similar Colleges in SD

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
$72,257 earnings · $20,183/yr net price
50
Augustana University
$59,217 earnings · $23,894/yr net price
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South Dakota State University
$55,070 earnings · $19,841/yr net price
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University of South Dakota
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University of Sioux Falls
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View all colleges in SD →

Quick Facts

Institution Type
public
Location
Sisseton, SD
Student Body
194 students
Graduation Rate
16%
Net Price (Annual)
$2,977
Median Earnings (10yr)
$31,546

Explore More

Earnings & cost trends →All colleges in SD →Compare colleges →Our methodology →Best public colleges →
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Median earnings are measured 10 years after enrollment. Net price reflects average cost after grants and scholarships for students receiving federal financial aid. Value scores are calculated using our methodology.