South Dakota is a smart choice for affordable online degrees, combining relatively low in-state tuition with flexible programs designed for working adults and rural learners.
Students can choose from online degrees in South Dakota at public universities like South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, Dakota State University, Northern State University, and Black Hills State University, which offer fully online certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs.
With transfer-friendly community and technical colleges and growing online options, South Dakota residents can earn a quality credential without leaving home.
In this guideTuition and Fee Overview in South Dakota
Most online associate degrees in South Dakota can be completed for roughly $14,000 to $15,000 through the state’s community and technical college system, making them an affordable starting point for many students.
Those who transfer into an online bachelor’s degree in South Dakota at a public university such as South Dakota State University, Dakota State University, or the University of South Dakota can often finish for a total cost of about $28,000 to $55,000, depending on how many credits transfer.
For students comparing affordable online degrees in South Dakota, beginning at a community or technical college and then transferring to an online bachelor’s program at a four year university remains the most cost effective pathway.
Community Colleges & Technical Colleges
Cost data from 10 associate degree programs in South Dakota shows that tuition varies widely, but there are clear affordable options for students. Mitchell Technical College offers the lowest tuition at $14,280, while University of Sioux Falls is the most expensive associate level option at $44,400. On average, an associate degree in South Dakota costs about $22,350, underscoring the value of the state’s community and technical colleges as a cost effective pathway for budget conscious students seeking affordable associate degrees in South Dakota.
Associate degree programs in South Dakota
Mitchell Technical College
Mitchell, South Dakota
Delivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $238
Total tuition: $14,280
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsBlack Hills State University
Box Elder, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $261 in-state | $368 out-of-state
Total tuition: $15,672
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsSouth Dakota State University
Brookings, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $267 in-state | $387 out-of-state
Total tuition: $15,996
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 5
Learn more: Program detailsWestern Dakota Technical College
Rapid City, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $263
Total tuition: $16,569
Credits: 63
Number of degree programs: 6
Learn more: Program detailsSoutheast Technical College
Sioux Falls, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $278
Total tuition: $16,680
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 9
Learn more: Program detailsDakota State University
Madison, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $365
Total tuition: $21,900
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 9
Learn more: Program detailsNorthern State University
Aberdeen, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $365
Total tuition: $21,903
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 5
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of South Dakota
Vermillion, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $365
Total tuition: $21,903
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsNational American University
Rapid City, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $380
Total tuition: $34,200
Credits: 90
Number of degree programs: 14
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $740
Total tuition: $44,400
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program details
Public and Private Institutions
Across Alabama, tuition for 7 reviewed online bachelor’s degree programs varies widely, giving students a broad range of price points. At the high end, University of Sioux Falls’s online bachelor’s programs total about $88,800, while Dakota State University offers one of the most affordable online bachelor’s degrees in South Dakota at approximately $43,806. Overall, the average cost for an online bachelor’s degree in South Dakota is around $50,917, allowing students to compare institutions and programs to find an option that fits their budget and education goals.
Bachelor’s degree programs in South Dakota
Dakota State University
Madison, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $365
Total tuition: $43,806
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 28
Learn more: Program detailsNorthern State University
Aberdeen, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $365
Total tuition: $43,806
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 10
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of South Dakota
Vermillion, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $365
Total tuition: $43,806
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 18
Learn more: Program detailsBlack Hills State University
Box Elder, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $261 in-state | $368 out-of-state
Total tuition: $44,160
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsNational American University
Rapid City, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $380
Total tuition: $45,600
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 16
Learn more: Program detailsSouth Dakota State University
Brookings, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $267 in-state | $387 out-of-state
Total tuition: $46,440
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 13
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $740
Total tuition: $88,800
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 6
Learn more: Program details
A review of 10 online master’s degree programs in South Dakota shows a wide range of tuition costs for graduate students. The most affordable option starts around $13,695 at University of Sioux Falls, while programs at National American University can reach up to $39,375, depending on the field of study and credit requirements. On average, the cost of an online master’s degree in South Dakota is about $18,684, making the state an attractive choice for working professionals seeking affordable online graduate programs without the need to relocate.
Master’s degree programs in South Dakota
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $415
Total tuition: $13,695
Credits: 33
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsDakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $400
Total tuition: $14,400
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsDakota State University
Madison, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $484
Total tuition: $14,523
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 9
Learn more: Program detailsAugustana University
Sioux Falls, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $490
Total tuition: $14,700
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 10
Learn more: Program detailsSouth Dakota Mines
Rapid City, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $356 in-state | $494 out-of-state
Total tuition: $14,820
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsNorthern State University
Aberdeen, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $484
Total tuition: $15,975
Credits: 33
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program detailsSouth Dakota State University
Brookings, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $484
Total tuition: $17,428
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 19
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of South Dakota
Vermillion, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $484
Total tuition: $18,880
Credits: 39
Number of degree programs: 24
Learn more: Program detailsBlack Hills State University
Box Elder, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $343 in-state | $640 out-of-state
Total tuition: $23,047
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 6
Learn more: Program detailsNational American University
Rapid City, South DakotaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $875
Total tuition: $39,375
Credits: 45
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program details
Notable Statewide Initiatives in South Dakota
South Dakota offers several statewide programs that make college and online degrees more affordable, especially for in-state and regional students. These initiatives help reduce tuition, expand early-college options, and connect students with scholarships and grants so they can earn a degree without taking on excessive debt.
- South Dakota Advantage (In-State Tuition for Neighboring States)
The South Dakota Advantage program extends in-state tuition rates to students from all neighboring states and several additional Midwestern states, helping many nonresidents pay South Dakota in-state tuition at public universities instead of higher out-of-state rates. - High School Dual Credit (HSDC) Program
Through the High School Dual Credit program, eligible juniors and seniors can take university or technical college classes at a sharply reduced per-credit rate (around half the already reduced tuition), earning both high school and college credit at the same time. This makes it possible to start an affordable associate or bachelor’s degree in South Dakota while still in high school. - Build Dakota Scholarship (Full-Ride Technical Degrees)
The Build Dakota Scholarship provides full-ride awards at South Dakota’s technical colleges in high-need fields, typically covering 100 percent of tuition, fees, books, and required tools. In exchange, recipients commit to working in their field in South Dakota after graduation, directly tying debt-free technical degrees to the state’s workforce needs. - South Dakota Freedom Scholarship (Need-Based Statewide Fund)
The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship is the state’s largest need-based scholarship endowment, created through a public-private partnership to help close the affordability gap for students with financial need. Awards support students who plan to live, learn, and work in South Dakota after graduation, making four-year and graduate programs more accessible. - South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship (Merit-Based Aid)
The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship offers up to $7,500 over four years to academically strong high school graduates who complete a rigorous college-prep curriculum and attend an eligible in-state college, university, or technical institute. This program helps keep high-achieving students in state while lowering the overall cost of a bachelor’s degree in South Dakota. - Our Dakota Dreams (College and Scholarship Hub)
The Our Dakota Dreams initiative serves as a centralized hub for South Dakota scholarships, dual credit information, and college-planning resources, making it easier for students and families to compare affordable colleges in South Dakota, understand tuition and fees, and identify state-supported financial aid options.
Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition
Choosing an online program in South Dakota can help keep overall college costs manageable, thanks to the state’s relatively low cost of living. Still, students should plan for expenses beyond tuition:
- Room and Board
Online students living in South Dakota can avoid on-campus housing and meal plan charges, which often add thousands per year. Housing costs in many rural and small-city areas are generally lower than in major metro and coastal regions. - Books and Supplies
Depending on the online program, students should budget roughly $600 to $1,200 per year for textbooks, software, and course materials. Some South Dakota colleges are expanding inclusive-access and open educational resources, which can reduce these costs. - Transportation
Online learners save on daily commuting, parking, and long drives between towns and campuses. However, they should still plan for occasional trips for orientation, labs, proctored exams, or internships tied to their online degree in South Dakota. - Pell Grant Eligibility
Eligible undergraduates who file the FAFSA may receive Federal Pell Grants, whether they study online or on campus. Because tuition at many South Dakota public and community colleges is comparatively modest, Pell Grants can cover a significant share of total costs for qualifying students.
State-Funded Grants & Scholarships
- South Dakota Need Based Grant
Need based aid for South Dakota residents enrolled at least half time at eligible colleges and technical institutes; helps lower out of pocket costs for low income students. - South Dakota Freedom Scholarship
Large need based scholarship that helps close funding gaps for bachelor’s degree seekers who plan to live and work in South Dakota after graduation. - South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
Merit based award worth up to $7,500 over four years for high achieving South Dakota high school graduates attending an in-state college or university. - Jump Start Scholarship
A one time $1,500 scholarship for students who graduate from a South Dakota public high school in three years or less and enroll at an in-state college within one year. - Dakota Corps Scholarship
Covers up to full resident tuition and required fees for students who commit to working in a critical need occupation in South Dakota, such as teaching or nursing. - Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship
Supports juniors, seniors, and graduate students preparing to teach in high need subjects or schools, in exchange for a service commitment in South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. South Dakota is known for relatively low in-state tuition and flexible online programs, especially at public universities and community or technical colleges. Many students can complete affordable online degrees in South Dakota for less than comparable programs in other states.
Most online associate degrees in South Dakota cost around $14,000 to $15,000 through community and technical colleges. Across 10 reviewed programs, tuition ranges from about $14,280 at Mitchell Technical College up to $44,400 at the University of Sioux Falls, with an average of $22,350.
For 7 reviewed online bachelor’s degree programs in South Dakota, total tuition ranges from about $43,806 at Dakota State University up to $88,800 at the University of Sioux Falls. The statewide average cost is approximately $50,917, giving students multiple price points to compare.
A review of 10 online master’s degrees in South Dakota shows tuition starting around $13,695 at the University of Sioux Falls and reaching up to about $39,375 at National American University. On average, the cost of an online master’s degree is roughly $18,684, which is competitive for working professionals.
Yes. Community and technical colleges in South Dakota often offer the lowest tuition for associate degrees and serve as a cost-effective starting point. Many students begin at these schools and then transfer into an online bachelor’s program at a four-year university to save money overall.
South Dakota supports students with several college affordability initiatives, including South Dakota Advantage (in-state tuition for many neighboring states), the High School Dual Credit program, Build Dakota Scholarship, the Freedom Scholarship, and the Opportunity Scholarship, plus the Our Dakota Dreams planning hub.
The South Dakota Advantage program allows students from neighboring and select Midwestern states to pay South Dakota in-state tuition at participating public universities. This helps nonresidents access more affordable online and on-campus degrees compared to typical out-of-state rates.
Yes. Eligible undergraduates who submit the FAFSA may receive Federal Pell Grants whether they enroll in online or on-campus programs. Because tuition at many South Dakota public and community colleges is comparatively modest, Pell Grants can cover a significant share of total costs.
South Dakota offers several state-funded grants and scholarships, including the South Dakota Need Based Grant, South Dakota Freedom Scholarship, South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, Jump Start Scholarship, Dakota Corps Scholarship, and Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship, all designed to reduce tuition for residents.
Yes. South Dakota’s generally lower cost of living means online students can often find more affordable housing and avoid expensive campus room and board. Studying from home also reduces transportation and commuting costs while completing an online degree in South Dakota.