Best Computer Science Degree Programs in South Dakota — 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

South Dakota offers robust financial support for computer science students pursuing higher education. The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship provides merit-based awards specifically designed for South Dakota high school graduates, making it an excellent entry point for state residents (South Dakota Board of Regents). Beyond state-specific aid, all students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at (Federal Student Aid), which opens doors to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. South Dakota's public four-year institutions offer an average in-state tuition of $6,250 annually, substantially below the national average and providing strong value for computer science degree seekers (IPEDS).

Key Programs & Amounts

A unique advantage for South Dakota residents is the state's NO STATE INCOME TAX policy, which translates to greater take-home earnings for graduates entering the technology workforce. This financial benefit, combined with affordable tuition rates, creates significant long-term savings. Many institutions, including Dakota State University and South Dakota State University, participate in the SD Board of Regents Transfer Policy, which ensures seamless course transfer among public institutions and helps students manage educational costs through strategic course planning (South Dakota Board of Regents). For detailed information about federal aid eligibility and application processes, prospective students should consult (College Scorecard) to compare aid packages across programs in related fields like Software Engineering in South Dakota and Cybersecurity in South Dakota.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science 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.

State Transfer System

South Dakota provides a streamlined transfer system enabling students to advance from associate's to bachelor's degree programs seamlessly. The SD Board of Regents Transfer Policy ensures course transferability among South Dakota public institutions, protecting student credits and reducing time-to-degree completion. Three institutions offer associate's degrees in Computer Science, including Lake Area Technical College (the top-ranked option with 31 completions in 2023). These community college programs serve as affordable entry points—Lake Area Technical College's tuition is just $3,720—allowing students to complete foundational coursework before transferring to a four-year institution. This pathway is particularly valuable for students seeking cost savings and smaller class environments during introductory computer science courses.

How Transfers Work

Transfer agreements connect community colleges to 7 bachelor's degree programs across South Dakota's four-year institutions, including Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota. The transfer system guarantees that associate's degree coursework in Computer Science, information technology, and mathematics transfers with full credit toward bachelor's completion requirements, typically reducing the baccalaureate to two additional years. Students can verify specific articulation agreements through the South Dakota Board of Regents and individual institutional transfer offices. For additional pathway options, explore related fields like Software Engineering, Data Science, and Cybersecurity programs that often accept transfer credits and most affordable programs nationally to contextualize South Dakota's transfer-friendly environment.

Industry & Workforce

South Dakota offers a robust Computer Science education ecosystem with 15 institutions providing programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). In the 2023 academic year, the state produced 126 bachelor's degree completions, 110 master's degree completions, and 31 associate's degree completions, reflecting strong workforce pipeline development (IPEDS). Dakota State University leads the state with 123 total completions, while the University of South Dakota contributed 58 completions, establishing these institutions as primary drivers of Computer Science talent in the region. The state's affordable tuition structure—averaging $6,250 for public in-state undergraduate education—makes South Dakota one of the nation's most cost-effective options for pursuing a Computer Science degree.

Salary Outlook

Beyond tuition savings, South Dakota offers a significant financial advantage: no state income tax. This benefit amplifies the affordability of education and enhances post-graduation earning potential for graduates entering the workforce in cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City, where major employers including Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Citibank invest in technology infrastructure. The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship provides merit-based awards for qualifying South Dakota high school graduates, further reducing financial barriers. For students comparing regional options, South Dakota's combination of affordable tuition, no income tax, and growing tech hubs creates a compelling value proposition. Explore how Computer Science programs in California, Texas, and New York compare nationally, or investigate specialized pathways like Software Engineering, Data Science, and Cybersecurity programs also available in South Dakota.

Employment Outlook

South Dakota's computer science job market is supported by a growing network of employers across the state's major metropolitan areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, tech positions in South Dakota offer competitive opportunities in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, the state's two largest metros. South Dakota's unique advantage includes NO STATE INCOME TAX, which significantly enhances take-home compensation for computer science professionals compared to neighboring states. The state hosts 15 institutions offering computer science programs at various levels, producing 126 bachelor's degree completions annually, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified talent entering the workforce (IPEDS).

Salaries by Metro

The job market benefits from diverse sectors hiring computer science graduates. Major employers including Sanford Health, Avera Health, Hy-Vee, and Citibank actively recruit talent from South Dakota's top programs. The state's average public four-year institution tuition of $6,250 in-state creates an affordable pathway to degrees, and the South Dakota Board of Regents Transfer Policy facilitates seamless career progression among public institutions. Prospective students should explore best bachelor's programs and related fields like software engineering and cybersecurity for expanded career pathways. The state's tech infrastructure continues expanding, particularly in Sioux Falls and Rapid City regions.

Core Requirements

Computer Science curricula in South Dakota follow industry-standard frameworks emphasizing theoretical foundations and practical application. Associate's programs typically span two years and cover fundamental programming languages (Python, Java, C++), data structures, computer organization, and web development basics. Bachelor's programs extend over four years with core courses including discrete mathematics, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, software engineering, and formal languages. Many programs integrate capstone projects or senior theses where students apply learned concepts to real-world problems. Top-ranked institutions like Dakota State University and South Dakota State University structure curricula to align with both academic rigor and industry demand from employers across Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and other state tech hubs.

Degree Pathways

Master's programs at the University of South Dakota and Dakota State University offer advanced specializations in areas such as software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. Students typically complete 30–36 credit hours of advanced coursework, electives in specialized domains, and a thesis or comprehensive project demonstrating research capability. Some programs incorporate internship or industry partnership components. All coursework builds toward ABET accreditation standards where applicable. Students interested in specialized pathways should explore South Dakota's dedicated programs in Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence. For comparative curriculum insights, review best bachelor's programs nationally and explore Software Engineering tracks also available in-state.

Online Program Growth

South Dakota's computer science programs offer flexibility across multiple delivery formats to accommodate diverse student needs. Traditional campus-based programs dominate the state's offerings, with 7 institutions providing bachelor's degrees and 3 institutions offering master's degrees (IPEDS). Campus-based education at institutions like Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota provides hands-on learning, direct faculty mentorship, and robust networking opportunities essential for computer science careers. These on-campus programs benefit from state-of-the-art labs and access to major regional employers like Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Citibank, creating internship and career placement pathways that enhance post-graduation employment prospects.

Accredited Online Options

For students requiring schedule flexibility, many South Dakota institutions now offer hybrid and online course options alongside traditional classroom instruction, allowing professionals and distance learners to pursue degrees while managing other commitments. Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota have expanded their online offerings to serve regional and national markets, extending access beyond geographic boundaries. Students should explore Best Online Programs for comprehensive comparisons of distance education quality and effectiveness. For those considering alternative pathways, related fields like Software Engineering in South Dakota, Cybersecurity in South Dakota, and Data Science in South Dakota also offer flexible delivery options. The SD Board of Regents Transfer Policy supports students transitioning between online community college courses and campus-based bachelor's programs, maximizing educational accessibility across the state.

Sioux Falls and Rapid City emerge as South Dakota's premier tech hubs, offering the strongest job markets and cost-of-living advantages. Sioux Falls, the state's largest metro, concentrates major employers including Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Citibank, creating abundant computer science career opportunities across healthcare IT, financial technology, and business systems. The city's growing tech sector attracts startups and established firms seeking talent. Rapid City, in the Black Hills region, offers similar employer diversity with strong representation from healthcare and financial services. Both metros benefit from South Dakota's NO STATE INCOME TAX advantage, making posted salaries more valuable than comparable positions in neighboring states. The state's average public in-state tuition of $6,250 enables affordability regardless of location choice (IPEDS).

University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University, located in the eastern region, feed talent into Sioux Falls' growing tech ecosystem. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, positioned in the Black Hills near Rapid City, creates direct pathways to West River employers. Lake Area Technical College (31 associate's completions) serves Aberdeen and surrounding regions, offering accessible two-year pathways. The SD Board of Regents Transfer Policy enables students starting at community colleges to seamlessly transition to four-year programs in major metros. Explore most affordable programs to find options in different regions. The state's geographic diversity means tech careers are accessible whether you prefer metropolitan energy or regional communities across East River, West River, and Black Hills areas.

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.