University of Sioux Falls
University of Sioux Falls — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Sioux Falls at a Glance
The University of Sioux Falls (USF) is a private university in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States, affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. In fall 2014, the university enrolled a total of 1,142 undergraduate students and 311 graduate students.
1883
143 years old
$30M
$30.3 million (2019)
1,453
103
Identity
Is University of Sioux Falls Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, University of Sioux Falls is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,521 — 1% above average — while paying $21,383/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 62% graduation rate means roughly 38% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Sioux Falls has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Sioux Falls compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #63 of 202 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #63 | University of Sioux Falls | 39 | $21,383 | $54,521 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Sioux Falls's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in SD.
Best Programs at University of Sioux Falls
The highest-earning program at University of Sioux Falls is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $31,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Sioux Falls earns $56,300, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $31,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $20,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,383/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
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,300 | $56,300 | $20,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,100 | $37,100 | $23,409 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,900 | $31,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in SD
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Student Body
- 1,218 students
- Admission Rate
- 83%
- Graduation Rate
- 62%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,383
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,521
- Median Student Debt
- $23,249