University of South Dakota
University of South Dakota — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of South Dakota at a Glance
The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public research university in Vermillion, South Dakota, United States. Established by the Dakota Territory legislature in 1862, 27 years before the establishment of the state of South Dakota, USD is the flagship university of South Dakota and the state's oldest public university. It occupies a 274 acres (1.11 km2) campus located in southeastern South Dakota, approximately 63 miles (101 km) south of Sioux Falls, 39 miles (63 km) northwest of Sioux City, I…
1862
164 years old
$339M
$338.6 million (2025)
10,405
7,515 undergrad · 2,352 grad
453
274 acres
Identity
Is University of South Dakota Worth It?
University of South Dakota offers moderate value at $19,858/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $51,926, which is 3% 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 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 61% graduation rate means roughly 39% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 99% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How University of South Dakota compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #70 of 146 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 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #3 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #70 | University of South Dakota | 40 | $19,858 | $51,926 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of South Dakota's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of South Dakota
The highest-earning program at University of South Dakota is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $23,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of South Dakota earns $55,900, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $23,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $26,437 in median debt vs. $27,000 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,858/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 | $55,900 | $55,900 | $26,437 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $53,500 | $53,500 | $27,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $41,400 | $41,400 | $21,063 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $40,900 | $40,900 | $25,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $38,700 | $38,700 | $26,000 |
| Marketing | $37,700 | $37,700 | $25,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,400 | $37,400 | $25,967 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,100 | $37,100 | $25,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,400 | $35,400 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,200 | $35,200 | $25,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $33,300 | $33,300 | $24,609 |
| Political Science and Government | $32,300 | $32,300 | $25,705 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,400 | $31,400 | $25,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $31,400 | $31,400 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $31,100 | $31,100 | $25,000 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $29,300 | $29,300 | $24,993 |
| History | $25,700 | $25,700 | $23,000 |
| Biology, General | $24,600 | $24,600 | $24,250 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $23,900 | $23,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in SD
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Vermillion, SD
- Student Body
- 5,439 students
- Admission Rate
- 99%
- Graduation Rate
- 61%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,858
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,926
- Median Student Debt
- $23,592