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Key Takeaways
Best cloud computing degree programs: Dakota State, National American Univers..., Oglala Lakota College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,016 to $15,390/year
Southeast Technical College offers the most affordable option at $3,720/yr
Cloud Computing degree programs available: 5 associate's, 1 master's, 1 doctoral in South Dakota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
South Dakota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Raven Industries, Daktronics, First Premier Bank, Sanford Health
Tech hubs in Sioux Falls and Rapid City
Hakia Research 2026
Cloud Computing degree programs near 15+ cities across South Dakota
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked South Dakota Cloud Computing programs
We rank 11 accredited cloud computing programs in South Dakota using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Cloud Computing Degree Programs in South Dakota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Cloud Computing Degree Rankings in South Dakota
Compare the top-ranked Cloud Computing programs in South Dakota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cloud Computing Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in cloud computing, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Southeast Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Western Dakota Technical ..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in South Dakota offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,183/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $46,376 in South Dakota.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with South Dakota's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Raven Industries, Daktronics, First Premier Bank hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among cloud computing schools in South Dakota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their cloud computing degrees in South Dakota.
Best Bachelor's Cloud Computing Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota ranks among the nation's top destinations for cloud computing education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Dakota State, National American Univers..., Oglala Lakota College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from South Dakota cloud computing programs earn a median salary of $71,672, 27% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Raven Industries, Daktronics, First Premier Bank.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $2,016 to $15,390 annually, with an average of $8,227/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 82%, with the highest reaching 93%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to South Dakota's leading technology employers. For students seeking cloud computing degrees in South Dakota, these top-ranked cloud computing schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
National American University-Rapid City
Best Master's Cloud Computing Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota offers 1 master's degree programs in cloud computing, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Dakota State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in South Dakota earn a median salary of $84,320, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Raven Industries, Daktronics, First Premier Bank actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $7,616/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among South Dakota's cloud computing schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Cloud Computing Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota is home to 1 doctoral programs in cloud computing, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Dakota State are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with South Dakota PhD holders earning a median of $105,400, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Raven Industries, Daktronics, First Premier Bank.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across South Dakota programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing cloud computing degrees in South Dakota, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Cloud Computing Degree Costs & Tuition in South Dakota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $6,313/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $15,783/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,578/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $37,880 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $9,470 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Cloud Computing Students in South Dakota
State Aid Programs
South Dakota offers exceptional financial advantages for students pursuing cloud computing degrees. The state's South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship provides merit-based awards specifically designed for South Dakota high school graduates, making higher education more accessible across the state (South Dakota Board of Regents). Additionally, South Dakota has no state income tax, which provides a significant long-term financial advantage for graduates entering the workforce in cloud computing roles. This tax benefit means graduates can retain more of their earnings compared to peers in other states, amplifying the return on their educational investment.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state-specific programs, cloud computing students in South Dakota can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (Federal Student Aid). This includes federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available to eligible students regardless of institution type. Many South Dakota institutions, from community colleges to research universities, offer additional institutional scholarships and financial aid packages. The South Dakota Board of Regents Transfer Policy ensures students can move seamlessly between public institutions while maintaining financial aid eligibility, allowing cost-conscious students to start at affordable two-year programs before transferring to bachelor's degree programs (South Dakota Board of Regents). For detailed information on federal aid options, prospective students should visit the Federal Student Aid portal to understand grant programs, loan repayment options, and eligibility requirements tailored to their circumstances.
Cloud Computing Degree ROI Calculator, South Dakota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a cloud computing degree in South Dakota. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Cloud Computing Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a cloud computing degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$147,619
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Cloud Computing Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in South Dakota metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $93K |
| Rapid City | $89K |
| Aberdeen | $84K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Cloud Computing Graduates in South Dakota
Find cloud computing jobs in South Dakota. These major employers across South Dakota metro areas are actively hiring cloud computing degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Cloud Computing Jobs in Sioux Falls
SDCloud Computing Jobs in Rapid City
SDTransfer Pathways for Cloud Computing Degrees in South Dakota
State Transfer System
South Dakota provides streamlined transfer pathways for cloud computing students moving from two-year to four-year institutions. The state's 7 two-year technical colleges, including Southeast Technical College (26 completions), Mitchell Technical College (14 completions), and Western Dakota Technical College (12 completions), offer associate's degrees that articulate directly with bachelor's programs at the 18 four-year institutions in the state (IPEDS). The South Dakota Board of Regents Transfer Policy ensures that credits earned in cloud computing and related courses transfer seamlessly among public institutions, eliminating duplicative coursework and reducing overall time to degree (South Dakota Board of Regents). For example, a student completing an associate's degree at Southeast Technical College can transition into Dakota State University's bachelor's program, building on completed foundational coursework in cloud infrastructure and networking. This 2+2 model is particularly valuable for working professionals and students seeking affordable entry points into advanced technical education.
How Transfers Work
Transfer agreements are facilitated through formal articulation agreements developed collaboratively between community colleges and universities, ensuring course equivalencies and clear pathways to degree completion. Top-ranked programs like Dakota State University ($7,616 tuition) and South Dakota State University ($7,773 tuition) actively recruit transfer students and provide dedicated advising to support smooth transitions (College Scorecard). Students benefit from South Dakota's low in-state tuition and access to the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, which applies to both community college and university coursework (South Dakota Board of Regents). Additionally, related degree pathways in Software Engineering in South Dakota and Cybersecurity in South Dakota share overlapping foundational courses, allowing flexible specialization paths. The state's transfer system also supports reverse transfer, enabling university students to earn associate's credentials before completing bachelor's degrees. For detailed transfer information and course equivalency guides, prospective students should contact the South Dakota Board of Regents directly or consult individual institution transfer offices.
Why Pursue a Cloud Computing Degree in South Dakota?
Industry & Workforce
South Dakota offers a strong and accessible pathway into cloud computing education, with 13 institutions across the state providing dedicated programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, South Dakota schools awarded 62 associate's degrees, 36 bachelor's degrees, 40 master's degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees in cloud computing, demonstrating strong institutional commitment to workforce development (IPEDS). Dakota State University leads the state with 70 completions, followed by Southeast Technical College with 26 completions, making these institutions premier choices for aspiring cloud professionals. The state's educational infrastructure spans both four-year universities and two-year technical colleges, ensuring flexible pathways for students at all stages of their careers.
Salary Outlook
Beyond academics, South Dakota provides significant financial advantages for cloud computing students. The state boasts no state income tax, a major incentive for graduates building careers in tech hubs like Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Average public in-state tuition at four-year institutions stands at just $6,250, well below national averages, with top-ranked programs like Dakota State University charging only $7,616 annually (College Scorecard). Students can further leverage the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship for merit-based financial aid through the South Dakota Board of Regents (South Dakota Board of Regents). Additionally, related fields including Network Administration in South Dakota, Information Technology in South Dakota, and Cybersecurity in South Dakota offer complementary career pathways. The state's major employers, including Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Citibank, actively seek cloud-trained professionals, ensuring strong job placement opportunities for graduates.
South Dakota Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: South Dakota Department of Revenue
Cloud Computing Job Market & Salary Data in South Dakota
Employment Outlook
South Dakota's cloud computing job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by the state's expanding technology sector and major regional employers. According to (BLS State Data), the state's technology workforce continues to develop across multiple regions. The Sioux Falls and Rapid City metro areas represent the primary hubs for cloud computing employment, with both regions attracting talent from regional universities and technical colleges. Educational institutions across the state have responded to this demand, with 13 institutions offering cloud computing programs ranging from associate's to doctoral degrees (IPEDS).
Salaries by Metro
The state's economic advantage includes NO STATE INCOME TAX, making South Dakota an attractive destination for cloud computing professionals seeking to maximize earning potential. Recent completion data shows 62 associate's degree completions, 36 bachelor's degree completions, and 40 master's degree completions across South Dakota institutions (IPEDS). Dakota State University leads the state with 70 total completions, followed by Southeast Technical College with 26 completions and Mitchell Technical College with 14 completions. Career pathways are further strengthened through related programs in Network Administration, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering, creating complementary employment opportunities across the technology landscape.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Cloud Computing Programs in South Dakota
Online Programs
0 available in South Dakota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Cloud Computing Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
- Total Programs
- 40
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $4,800
- Total Programs
- 127
- Median Tuition
- $1,400
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Cloud Computing Degree Programs in South Dakota: FAQ
What are the best cloud computing degree programs in South Dakota?
How much do cloud computing degree programs cost in South Dakota?
What salary can cloud computing degree graduates earn in South Dakota?
Are there online cloud computing degree programs in South Dakota?
What companies hire cloud computing degree graduates in South Dakota?
Is a cloud computing degree program worth it in South Dakota?
How long do cloud computing degree programs take in South Dakota?
What financial aid is available for cloud computing degree students in South Dakota?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
South Dakota salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.