South Dakota Colleges, Universities And Trade Schools

• Total Colleges: 31
• Total Medical Schools: 1
• Total Colleges With Tenure: 0
• Colleges By Highest Degree Offered
• Associate's: 6
• Bachelor's Degree: 4
• Master's Degree: 10
• Doctor's Degree: 5
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• Total Faculty: 8,869
• Total Full Time Faculty: 6,623
• Total Part Time Faculty: 2,246
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• Total Students: 58,811
• Total Full Time Students: 37,178
• Total Part Time Students: 21,633
• Total Undergraduate Students: 51,130
• Total Graduate Students: 7,681

Student Race Breakdown

Student Gender Breakdown

Student Age Breakdown

South Dakota is one of the least populous states in the United States even though it covers a fairly large geographic region, and as a result the state is home to only a moderate number of colleges and universities both public and private. Most of these institutions are located in the more populous cities, such as Sioux City, Rapid City and Aberdeen, as well as the capital Pierre. South Dakota is bordered by Minnesota to the east, Iowa to the southeast, Nebraska to the South, Wyoming to the West, Montana to the northwest, and North Dakota to the north. A fairly straightforward highway network allows for travel throughout the state and into neighboring areas, as well as provides access to a number of recreational areas including various points along Lake Oahe, which is of interest for students participating in athletic travel or seeking recreational activities.

Public institutions in the state are governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents, which maintains and funds six universities throughout the state. OF these institutions the oldest is the University of South Dakota, founded in 1862 as the state’s land grant institution. The University of South Dakota is also notable for having the state’s only medical school and law school. The South Dakota Board of Regents is responsible for all policies and decisions made regarding its member schools. Public institutions tend to have lower tuition and higher enrollment numbers than their private school counterparts as part of their mission to provide quality education to as many qualifying residents as possible.

Public South Dakota institutions include:

• Black Hills State University (Spearfish)
• Dakota State University (Madison)
• University of South Dakota (Vermillion)
• South Dakota State University (Brookings)
• Northern State University (Aberdeen)

Private schools in South Dakota will most likely have an association with a Christian denomination. Some schools will have continuing ties to their respective church, while others may have chosen a broader educational program though acknowledge it as part of their respective histories. These schools tend to offer a liberal arts education focused on providing a balanced course load with an emphasis on a chosen major. Tuition tends to be higher, enrollment is typically low, and student to teacher ratios are excellent, allowing for more personal time with instructors. Of the states not for profit private institutions, the oldest is Augustana College in Sioux City, with a founding date of 1862.

Private South Dakota institutions include:

• Dakota Wesleyan University (Mitchell)
• Mount Marty College (Yankton)
• Sinte Gleska University (Mission)
• Sioux Falls Seminary (Sioux Falls)

The state is also home to a number of private colleges and schools that provide short duration, high cost career training programs that assist individuals in entering the work force as qualified professionals upon completion. These programs generally are in high demand fields, and such schools tend to have only a limited number of programs to choose from. Community colleges found in the state will offer similar programs, though generally having more variety and a t a lower cost. Community college programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting a in a certificate or degree. Additionally, community colleges also have programs designed to assist in the transfer of credits and students to four year institutions in order to continue their education.

Private institutions