Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in South Dakota 2025
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
36 computer engineering graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Lake Area Technical College
31 computer engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
South Dakota State University
12 computer engineering graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
- 1.South Dakota offers 5+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.South Dakota School of Mines and Technology leads with 95% graduation rate
- 3.South Dakota software developers earn median $84,320 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen
- 5.Cost of living index: 95.6% of US average (below average)
Computer Engineering Education in South Dakota: Overview
South Dakota offers 5 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 91 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, with major employers including Raven Industries, Daktronics, First Premier Bank.
With a median software developer salary of $84,320 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 95.6% compared to the US average, South Dakota offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Lake Area Technical College, South Dakota State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Dakota Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Rapid City, SD | Public | $7,800 | 95% | 59.3 |
| 2 | Lake Area Technical College | Watertown, SD | Public | $3,720 | — | 53.6 |
| 3 | South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | Public | $7,773 | 100% | 48.8 |
| 4 | Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $38,150 | — | 43.9 |
| 5 | University of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $20,340 | 90% | 41.1 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | South Dakota School of... | Lake Area Technical College | South Dakota State | Augustana | U of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,800 | $3,720 | $7,773 | $38,150 | $20,340 |
| Graduation Rate | 95% | N/A% | 100% | N/A% | 90% |
| Annual Graduates | 36 | 31 | 12 | 11 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% | N/A | 99% | 59% | 82% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 59.3/100 | 53.6/100 | 48.8/100 | 43.9/100 | 41.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in South Dakota
South Dakota offers 4 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University, Augustana University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $59,024 in the South Dakota market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 South Dakota School of... | $7,800 | 95% | 36 | 59.3 |
| #2 South Dakota State | $7,773 | 100% | 12 | 48.8 |
| #3 Augustana | $38,150 | N/A% | 11 | 43.9 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota
For graduate study, South Dakota offers 2 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in South Dakota reaching $109,616 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 South Dakota School of... | $7,800 | 95% | 18 | 53.1 |
| #2 South Dakota State | $7,773 | 100% | 8 | 46.6 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in South Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in South Dakota are at Lake Area Technical College ($3,720/year), South Dakota State University ($7,773/year), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($7,800/year). These programs offer strong ROI given South Dakota's competitive tech salaries.
At Lake Area Technical College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $14,880 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $59,024, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in South Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Lake Area Technical College | $3,720 | $14,880 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 South Dakota State | $7,773 | $31,092 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 South Dakota School of... | $7,800 | $31,200 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in South Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in South Dakota, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,800 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 36 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 59.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 36 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (36 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers flexible pathways through stackable credentials, allowing students to earn certificates that build toward a professional master's degree. The curriculum is designed in partnership with leading industry experts and offers both online and on-campus options with hands-on, project-based learning.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Bachelor's degree
- •STEM degree
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- premier university renowned for engineering excellence
Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,720 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 31 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 53.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 31 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (31 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,773 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 99%
- • Ranking Score: 48.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 12 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (99% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $38,150 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 43.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 11 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (59% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Sources
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,340 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 82%
- • Ranking Score: 41.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 1 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 41.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (82% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Sioux Falls is a Christian, liberal arts university that provides tools to reach full potential and achieve career goals, with 99% of graduates finding employment in their chosen fields within six months.
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 99% of students find employment in their chosen fields within six months of graduation
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen
- You're seeking lower cost of living (95.6% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Raven Industries or Daktronics
- You prefer South Dakota's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs South Dakota's 5)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Engineering in South Dakota FAQ
Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
South Dakota-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - South Dakota salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.