Overview
University of South Dakota is located in Vermillion, SD. This comprehensive ROI analysis uses federal IRS W-2 earnings data to help you understand what graduates from University of South Dakota actually earn.
Data last updated: February 11, 2026
| Key Metric | Value | |------------|-------| | Median Graduate Earnings | $51,926 | | In-State Tuition | $9,432 | | Out-of-State Tuition | $12,942 | | Acceptance Rate | 99.0% | | Graduation Rate | 61.4% | | Student Population | 5,239 |
Graduate Earnings
According to federal data from IRS W-2 records, the median annual earnings for University of South Dakota graduates is $51,926 measured 10 years after initial enrollment.
This earnings figure represents graduates who received federal financial aid and had W-2 earnings reported to the IRS.
How This Compares
Compare University of South Dakota's graduate earnings to:
- [Similar schools in SD](/schools/sd)
- [Schools with similar admission rates](/compare)
- [National averages by major](/majors)
Cost Breakdown
Understanding the true cost of attending University of South Dakota:
| Cost Component | In-State | Out-of-State | |----------------|----------|--------------| | Tuition & Fees | $9,432 | $12,942 | | Room & Board | $9,060 | $9,060 | | 4-Year Total (Est.) | $73,968 | $88,008 |
Note: Actual costs may vary. Financial aid can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
ROI Analysis
To calculate your personal ROI:
- Estimate your total cost after financial aid
- Compare to median earnings of $51,926
- Consider your specific major (earnings vary significantly)
- Factor in opportunity costs of 4 years of study
Top Majors at University of South Dakota
The highest-earning majors at University of South Dakota typically include:
- Engineering and Computer Science programs
- Business and Finance degrees
- Healthcare and Nursing programs
Similar Schools to Consider
Based on size, selectivity, and location, you might also consider:
- Schools in SD with similar outcomes
- Institutions with comparable admission rates
- Universities with strong programs in your intended major
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of South Dakota worth the tuition?
With median graduate earnings of $51,926 and an out-of-state 4-year cost of approximately $88,008, the payback period depends on your financial aid package and chosen major.
What percentage of University of South Dakota students graduate?
The graduation rate at University of South Dakota is 61.4%, which is above the national average.
How competitive is admission to University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99.0% with an average SAT score of 1122.
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This page uses data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard API. Earnings data reflects median annual earnings for students who received federal financial aid, measured 10 years after enrollment.