
Founded in 1979, the Sisseton Wahpeton College (SWC) is located in Sisseton, South Dakota. SWC offers vocational and academic degrees in a campus setting that is located within the Lake Traverse Reservation. The average enrollment at the small community college is around 250 students per year. Of that number, approximately 80% of the students are associated with Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, a federally recognized Dakota tribe. The college is situated in the northeastern part of the state.
SWC is one of the few schools that feature both academic and vocational degrees in its curriculum training. Through the college’s affiliation with Mount Marty College, students may also earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Tribal Goverance. The school is also unique in that it offers and supports programs that emphasize language and cultural learning related to the Dakota people.
Upgrades have been made to the campus, all which expands the school’s ability to provide an optimum learning experience for students. The Vocational Education Building and Early Childhood Education Center are some of the newest additions.
Associates degree programs are offered in:
- Dakota studies
- Business administration
- Early childhood development
- General studies and General Studies with an elementary education option
- Business administration
- Registered nursing
- Chemical dependence counseling
- Cross-cultural counseling
Credits earned through the associate degree programs can be transferred to four-year schools. Credits earned through certificate programs may be applied toward the school’s Associate of Applied Science degree. Featured certificate programs at the college include courses that lead to jobs as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), computer operator, or toward employment in the general building trades. Cost of tuition is approximately $100 or $115 per credit hour, depending on a student’s requirements for funding. You can obtain further details by contacting the college at 605-693-3966.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $8,700. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are between $3,800-$4,500 for both state residents and nonresidents
- The estimated tuition for part time students is around $130 to $150 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 75% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 75% | $2,339 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Sisseton Wahpeton College may provide services to students like those listed below:
- Remedial courses
- Career path counseling
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges offer a variety of career and transfer options for students. The following table shows the graduation and transfer-out rates for Sisseton Wahpeton College, versus those community colleges in South Dakota, which can be valuable information for determining which school to attend.
Sisseton Wahpeton College | Roberts County | South Dakota | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 6.6% | - | 44.0% |
Transfer-out Rate | 8.2% | - | 9.0% |
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Sisseton Wahpeton College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A)
- Bookkeeping (A)
- Commerce
Construction Trades
Education
Engineering Technology
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing Practice (C)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (A)
- Nursing
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (A)