Online Universities in South Dakota

This article features school rankings for the top online universities in South Dakota

For many students, a college degree might seem far too time-consuming. Many adults have full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities. These individuals might believe it would be impossible for them to pursue a college education. Fortunately, online degree programs address the needs of these potential students. Today’s online degrees are more flexible than ever. In most cases, you can schedule your assignments so that they do not interfere with your current obligations.

Additionally, there are many choices when it comes to an online college. Every state in the nation has online schools, so now you can attend college wherever you like, no matter where you live. Students looking for the flexibility of an online degree program may be interested in pursuing a South Dakota online college. South Dakota’s colleges offer many affordable and reputable online and on-campus programs. But the online programs are what this article is all about.

Our list of the top online schools in South Dakota can help you in your college search.

Methodology for the Top Online Colleges in South Dakota

To find the 10 top universities in South Dakota, we consulted NCES College Navigator. We searched for nonprofit institutions offering undergraduate or graduate degrees. We also included those online schools offering professional certificates. Then, we created school rankings for the best online schools in South Dakota based on affordability. 

The listed tuition prices are based on the cost per academic year for undergraduate students. The costs can differ for out-of-state students and those pursuing an online graduate degree. However, some of the best online universities in South Dakota offer the same tuition costs for South Dakota residents and out-of-state students. 

These online schools are all regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Each has had its nonprofit status verified. 

Best South Dakota Online Colleges and Universities

	School	Tuition
1.	Western Dakota Technical College	$8,286
2.	Columbia College – Ellsworth AFB	$8,496
3.	Northern State University	$8,845
4.	Black Hills State University	$9,000
5.	South Dakota State University	$9,299
6.	University of South Dakota	$,9432
7.	Dakota State University	$9,633
8.	South Dakota School of Mines and Technology	$10,440
9.	University of Sioux Falls	$20,290
10.	Dakota Wesleyan University	$31,890

Ranking the Best Online Colleges in South Dakota

1. Western Dakota Technical College

Rapid City, South Dakota

Western Dakota Technical College is a two-year public community college in Rapid City. It is the only technical college serving Western North Dakota. This South Dakota College opened in 1968 and is home to around 1,300 students. It is the only community college on our list of the best online colleges in South Dakota. 

The programs at WDT are designed to train students in some of the fastest-growing industries and fields. Students can choose from over 40 programs, and many are offered online. The online certificates, diplomas, and degrees at WDT include the following:

• Accounting
• Bookkeeping
• Business and Technology
• Business – Entrepreneurship
• Business – Hospitality
• Business – Social Media Marketing
• Library Technician

WDT also partners with Ed2Go to offer online continuing education and career training programs. They are non-credit online classes, some with industry-recognized credentials. There are over 700 continuing education online courses at varying costs. These engaging and interactive distance education courses take about six weeks to complete. A few of the featured online courses include:

• A to Z Grant Writing
• Administrative Assistant Applications
• Achieving Top Search Engine Results
• Adobe Animate Training
• Fiction Writing
• Javascript Concepts
• Advanced Python
• Advanced Web Pages
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• How To Become a Veterinary Assistant
• Conversational French
• Blockchain Fundamentals
• Business and Marketing Writing
• Business Finance
• C++ for Absolute Beginners
• Global Healing Systems

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $8,496

Financial Aid Available? Yes

2. Columbia College-Ellsworth AFB

Ellsworth, South Dakota

Columbia College is a private, nonprofit liberal arts and sciences college. The school has over 30 locations in 12 states, including one at Ellsworth Air Force Base in SD. The college is open to military and civilian students. And it offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. There are a few on-campus programs available. However, most of Colombia’s programs are 100% online and geared toward remote learners. 

Students at CC-Ellsworth can choose from dozens of online undergraduate and graduate programs. Some of the bachelor’s online programs include:

• Human Resource Management 
• Health Care Management 
• International Business
• Organizational Leadership 
• Real Estate Management
• Sports Management
• Project Management 
• Cybersecurity 
• Marketing
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Management Information Systems Bachelor
• Criminal Justice
• Human Services
• Political Science

Some of the online master’s degree programs offered through Columbia include:

• Accountancy
• MBA
• Teaching 
• Educational Leadership 
• Educational Leadership with Instructional Coach Certification Emphasis
• Educational Leadership with School Leader (K-12) Certification Emphasis
• Educational Leadership with Instructional Leadership Certification Emphasis
• Criminal Justice Administration

Columbia is a leader in online education and one of the top online colleges in South Dakota. Online students can take classes anywhere, anytime, with flexible class scheduling. Online classes last eight weeks, and there are six sessions available each year. Books are provided at no cost, and there are no hidden fees. Online students can transfer up to 60 hours of credits toward their online degree based on military training and education. 

All students can access academic advising, online tutoring, and success coaching. Addition resources at this online school include:

• Online Library Services
• Testing Services
• Career Services
• Counseling Services
• Veterans Services
• Disability Services

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $8,496

Financial Aid Available? Yes

Related: Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges

3. Northern State University

Aberdeen, South Dakota

Established in 1901, Northern State University is one of South Dakota’s public colleges. Located in Aberdeen, the school is home to about 3,300 learners. Northern State University is known for its affordability. The school has the largest guaranteed merit-based scholarship in the region. It is available to all first-year college students. It is based on high school GPA and/or SAT or ACT scores. This generous financial assistance program makes NSU one of the top online universities in the state. Prospective students can contact the financial aid office for more information.

Northern State University features 59 majors and 46 minors. Many of the school’s college degree programs can be completed through online learning. There are three online associate degrees available. They include Digital Entrepreneurship, Criminal Justice, and General Studies. The online bachelor’s degrees offered at NSU include:

• Banking and Financial Services
• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• General Studies
• Global Language and Culture
• Marketing
• International Business
• Management
• Spanish

In addition, Northern State offers eight master’s degrees online. These include:

• Accounting Analytics
• Art Education
• Banking and Financial Services
• Educational Studies
• Instructional Design in E-Learning
• Music Education
• Special Education
• Teaching and Learning

NSU has many resources to help online college students succeed. All distance learners have access to services like:

• Online Mental Health Counseling
• Academic Advising
• Veterans Services
• Career Services
• Accessibility Services
• Free Tutoring
• Award-Winning Trio Student Support Services

Online students take classes led by NSU’s world-class faculty. They will earn the same college degree they would on campus. In addition, out-of-state students pay the same low tuition prices as South Dakota residents.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $8,845

Financial Aid Available? Yes

Related: Best Online Graduate Schools

4. Black Hills State University

Spearfish, South Dakota

Black Hills State University is a public institution in Spearfish, South Dakota. Established in 1883, the school’s motto is “Where Anything is Possible.” Black Hills State University has a student population of around 3,500 learners. And the school is known for promoting excellence in public engagement and teaching. In addition, it serves as a regional economic leader, making it one of the top online colleges in South Dakota. 

BHSU offers over 45 majors. Many of its most popular programs can be completed through online learning. Undergraduate students can pursue an Online Business Administration or General Studies degree. Graduate distance learners can choose from six master’s programs, including:

• Strategic Leadership
• Curriculum & Instruction
• Secondary Education
• Sustainability
• Reading
• Special Education 

The school also offers an online minor in Sociology and several online certificate programs. Certificates include:

• Professional Writing
• Social Media
• Graduate Mathematics
• Advanced Graduate Mathematics
• Human Resource Management
• Science Communication

Distance education courses are delivered through D2L, the school’s online learning management platform. The coursework is flexible, and students can study from anywhere. The programs feature the same rigor and academic quality as those taught on campus. And they are led by the same professional faculty members. 

Many online student resources are available to help you succeed. For example, the school has some excellent library services for distance learners. Some of the other resources available to online students include:

• Counseling Center
• Writing Center
• Career Center
• Disability Services
• Financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance programs are available. 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $9,633

Financial Aid Available? Yes

5. South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota

South Dakota State University is a four-year public land-grant research university. Located in Brookings, it 

was founded in 1881 and is the state’s largest college by enrollment. Nearly 11,500 students attend the school. Yet it still maintains a relatively low student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. This personalized attention and academic excellence make it one of the top online colleges in South Dakota. 

SDSU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The school features close to 200 programs. Many of them are available online. The online associate degree programs include the following:

• Agricultural Science
• Construction Technology 
• Data Science 
• General Studies 
• Sociology 

Some of the bachelor’s online degrees at SDSU include:

• Agricultural Business
• Early Education and Care
• Geographic Information Sciences 
• Human Development and Family Studies
• Interdisciplinary Studies 
• Nursing
• Psychology 
• Sociology 

South Dakota State University features close to 20 master’s online degrees. A few of the most popular options include:

• Chemistry – Chemical Education Specialization
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Dietetics
• Educational Administration 
• Human Sciences – Developmental Sciences
• Human Sciences – Family and Community Services
• Human Sciences – Family and Consumer Sciences Education
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Mass Communication
• Operations Management
• Public Health 
• Sociology – Community Development Specialization

Finally, distance learners can also pursue two online doctoral degrees at SDSU:

• Nursing (D.N.P)
• Nursing (Ph.D.)

The majority of coursework is 100 percent online. However, some graduate programs may have short, in-person residency requirements. Be sure to check all the details of your particular program and its online course requirements before enrolling. 

The school uses D2L as its learning management system. This is where online students will access all their course materials and assignments. Prospective students can access an online course demonstration to become familiar with D2L. Students still deciding what major to choose can take an Exploratory Studies program. Additionally, they can complete a self-guided assessment on career and major choices through FOCUS 2 Career. These are just a few of the excellent online student resources offered by South Dakota State University. 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $9,299

Financial Aid Available? Yes

See Also: Largest Nonprofit Online Universities

6. University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public research university in Vermillion, South Dakota. It is the state’s oldest public college and its flagship university. It has the state’s only medical and law schools. It also has an excellent student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. This makes it one of the best colleges in South Dakota. 

USD offers more than 200 undergraduate academic programs. And it features over 80 graduate degree programs. Many of these programs can be completed via online learning. In fact, there are over 50 University of South Dakota online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the undergraduate online programs include:

• Addiction Counseling and Prevention
• Artificial Intelligence
• Biology
• Criminal Justice
• General Studies
• Health Sciences
• Management
• Marketing
• Nursing
• Public Health
• Sociology
• Supply Chain Management
• Technical Leadership

Some of the master’s online programs at USD include

• Accountancy
• Addiction Counseling and Prevention
• Administration
• Adult and Higher Education
• Business Administration
• Counseling and Psychology in Education
• Curriculum Director
• Elementary Education
• Executive Public Administration
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Kinesiology and Sport Management
• Music
• Public Health
• Social Work
• Technology for Education and Training
• Kinesiology and Sport Management

Students can also pursue one of nine online doctoral programs. Some of these include:

• Counseling and Psychology in Education
• Educational Administration and Leadership
• Health Sciences
• Nursing Practice
• School District Superintendent
• Human Development & Education Psychology

University of South Dakota online programs are taught by the same experienced instructors that teach on campus. Students will follow the same rigorous and challenging curriculum. Classes are asynchronous, but assignments still have weekly deadlines. Students will have access to pre-recorded content and all course materials online. However, there are also interactive activities and group projects. Students will have weekly office hours with their instructors. 

Tuition at USD is the same whether you’re an out-of-state or in-state student. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are also available. In addition, the school offers a variety of handy resources for online students. They include tutoring, tech support, career counseling, and much more. 

University of South Dakota rankings are consistently high among several publications. This includes U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and others.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $9,432

Financial Aid Available? Yes

7. Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota

Dakota State University is a four-year public university in Madison, South Dakota. The college was established in 1881 and has a student population of around 3,200 learners. Dakota State University’s motto is “Embrace Innovation.” And it is one of the few colleges to integrate technology into all of its programs. So students at DSU are well prepared for any career they undertake in the digital age. Additionally, the college has a 99% placement rate for graduates. For these reasons, DSU has made our list of the top online colleges and universities in South Dakota.

Dakota State University offers nine associate degrees and 24 bachelor’s degrees. They also have seven masters of science programs available. Many of these programs can be completed through online education. Some of the online bachelor’s degree programs include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Accounting
• Business Technology 
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Computer Information Systems 
• Computer Science
• Cyber Leadership and Intelligence: Digital Forensics
• Elementary Education 
• Health Informatics and Information Management
• Network and Security Administration

The online graduate degree programs at DSU include the following:

• Health Informatics and Information Management 
• Master of Business Administration 
• Master of Science in Analytics 
• Master of Science in Computer Science 
• Master of Science in Cyber Defense 
• Master of Science in Educational Technology 

Students use D2L as their course management system. This is where they will attend virtual lectures, complete assignments, and take exams. The flexible online programs allow you to set your own schedule. But you’ll still collaborate with your peers and instructors online. 

Online students at Dakota State get customized support every step of the way. The school offers academic advising, tech help, and counseling. Additionally, students can get assistance from the writing center, access the library, and more. The school even has a new program called STRONG to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $9,633

Financial Aid Available? Yes

8. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, South Dakota

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was established in 1885. This four-year public university is located in Rapid City, South Dakota. It was initially named the Dakota School of Mines. Its purpose was to provide training for miners to work in the booming mining industry in the region. Today, it is a top STEM university with a strong focus on science and engineering. 

Mines has a student body of about 2,400 and an impressive 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This ensures that all students receive individual attention. The school is known for its affordability, research, and job placement services. It is one of the top online colleges in South Dakota. 

Students at Mines can choose from 20 undergraduate programs and 18 master’s degrees. There are also nine Doctorate programs. Currently, Mines offers three online engineering master’s programs. They include:

• Construction Engineering and Management
• Engineering Management
• Mining Engineering and Management 

These online graduate programs are user-friendly, affordable, and flexible. There are typically three start dates a year. Students will choose core classes and electives that align with their personal interests and career goals. They can participate in classes in person or watch them live online. Additionally, they can watch recorded classes when it is convenient. 

Students will learn from the same engineering instructors that teach on campus. They will earn the same degree. Graduate assistantships are not available for online students. However, you can contact the financial aid office for information on financial assistance and scholarships. 

Students access their coursework from D2L. This is Mine’s online learning management platform. While you can arrange your studies around your current schedule, you will still have weekly deadlines to meet. And you may be required to log on at set times for various activities. 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $10,440

Financial Aid Available? Yes

9. University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The University of Sioux Falls is a Christian university in Sioux Falls. It’s one of the most well-known private colleges in South Dakota. Founded in 1872, this nonprofit college enrolls around 1,600 students a year. This liberal arts university provides quality education in the humanities, sciences, and professions. The school focuses on academic excellence and a culture of service to others. USF offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and several master’s degrees. Many of these programs can be completed online. The online bachelor’s degree programs include:

• Accounting
• Business
• Health Administration
• General Studies

USF also offers two online Master’s programs. They include:

Master of Business Administration with concentrations in the following:

• Organizational Leadership
• Healthcare
• Business Innovation & Marketing
• Management

Online Master’s in Education with the following concentrations:

• Educational Administration / Higher Education
• Technology and Personalized Learning
• Reading

Students at the USF can also earn an online special education endorsement. They can participate in professional development and continuing education programs online. In addition, all online students have access to resources to help them succeed, including:

• Learning Accessibility Services 
• Online Tutoring
• Writing Center
• Academic Support 

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $20,290

Financial Aid Available? Yes

10. Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, South Dakota

Dakota Wesleyan University is a four-year private nonprofit college established in 1885. This small college enrolls under 1,000 students and has an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. Despite its size, DWU still offers over 40 majors. Two of the school’s master’s degree programs can be completed online. They include:

Master of Arts in Education

This is a 100% online program with three start dates a year. Full-time students can complete the program in 15 months. But you can also attend part-time. There are four areas of emphasis to choose from:

• Educational Policy and Administration
• K-12 Principal
• English as a New Language 
• Athletic and Activities Administration

Master of Business Administration 

The online MBA program requires a total of 36 credit hours. There are two start dates a year, and online courses are seven weeks long. No GRE or GMAT is required. Students can enroll with a business degree in any field. However, those with a bachelor’s in business can choose the 4+1 option. This allows them to earn the MBA in just one year. They will take two classes every eight weeks. No thesis is required to graduate. Instead, students will focus on comprehensive projects demonstrating their learning. 

In addition to the two master’s degree programs, students can choose from certificates in:

• Communications for the Digital Age
• Practical Church Leadership
• Organizational Leadership Certificate
• Athletic and Activities Administration

All of the distance education courses are asynchronous. So there are no set times to attend. Instead, students can study at their convenience. In addition, DWU has a generous transfer policy and offers financial aid for online students. Contact the financial aid office for more information.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $31,890

Financial Aid Available? Yes

More About the Best South Dakota Online Schools

There are nine public four-year universities and colleges in South Dakota. The largest college by enrollment is South Dakota State University. There are also eight nonprofit South Dakota private colleges. Additionally, there are six South Dakota community colleges. South Dakota does have two for-profit colleges. However, this list of the top online colleges in South Dakota is for non-profit institutions only.

The South Dakota Board of Regents oversees higher education in the state. The South Dakota Board of Regents has several resources available for South Dakota students. These include scholarships, financial aid, reduced tuition programs, and more. A few of the scholarships specifically for South Dakota students include:

• Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship 
• Dakota Corps Scholarship 
• Need-Based Scholarship
• South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
• Jump Start Scholarship
• Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship
• Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship
• Marlin R. Scarborough Memorial Scholarship

You may also like: Top 50 Scholarships for Online Students

What Is the Higher Learning Commission?

Each school on our list of the best online colleges in South Dakota is accredited. Accreditation recognizes institutions for academic quality, integrity, performance, and other factors. In South Dakota, the accrediting body is the Higher Learning Commission.

HLC accreditation ensures that a South Dakota college meets specific academic criteria. It also demonstrates that the college is consistently improving its programs. In addition, most employers prefer candidates who have graduated from accredited schools. And accreditation ensures you can transfer your credits to another school should you decide to do so. 

What Are the Benefits of Attending South Dakota Online College?

Attending an online college in South Dakota offers a range of benefits. Here are a few key advantages to earning an online degree:

FLEXIBILITY AND PERSONALIZED LEARNING

Online colleges in South Dakota utilize many delivery methods. Each school has an online learning management system for accessing online course materials. Most schools allow online learners to enroll full or part-time. And generally, you can complete your online courses at your own pace when it is convenient for you. Additionally, you can study from anywhere with an internet connection. This can lead to a more personalized and constructive learning experience.

AFFORDABILITY

Online degree programs often have lower tuition rates. And in general, there are fewer fees and expenses. For example, you won’t need to pay for student housing, meal plans, or transportation. Some online schools even offer free books and other materials. This can make college affordable and accessible to more students. This is especially helpful for online learners with financial constraints. 

ACCESS TO DIVERSE PROGRAMS

Universities in South Dakota offer a wide range of online degree programs. This allows students to find the program that most closely matches their professional goals and interests. As a result, they can pursue a degree program that meets their needs without having to move across the country to a specific campus. 

POTENTIAL FOR DEGREE COMPLETION

Many people have gone to college but haven’t graduated for one reason or another. It could be because of family obligations, job responsibilities, or even finances. Whatever the reason, there is still an opportunity to finish that degree. Several schools feature online degree completion programs. Most have generous transfer policies. This allows you an affordable and convenient way to finally earn that degree. 

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

With online schools, you’ll connect with people from all over the world. In addition, most online schools provide networking opportunities between faculty, fellow students, and industry professionals. These relationships can be valuable for those who want to get a job or advance their careers after graduating. 

This Concludes Our School Rankings of the Best Online Colleges in South Dakota

NPCO Staff