Top 3 Computer Science Programs in South Dakota 2025
Dakota State University
64 computer science graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
University of South Dakota
45 computer science graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
27 computer science graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
- 1.South Dakota offers 7+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Dakota State University leads with 93% 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 Science Education in South Dakota: Overview
South Dakota offers 7 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 197 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 science programs in the state are led by Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Dakota Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | Public | $7,616 | 93% | 66.4 |
| 2 | University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | Public | $7,773 | 90% | 57.8 |
| 3 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Rapid City, SD | Public | $7,800 | 95% | 56.5 |
| 4 | Lake Area Technical College | Watertown, SD | Public | $3,720 | — | 53.6 |
| 5 | South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | Public | $7,773 | 100% | 48.8 |
| 6 | Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $38,150 | — | 46.7 |
| 7 | University of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $20,340 | 90% | 41.1 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | Dakota State | U of South Dakota | South Dakota School of... | Lake Area Technical College | South Dakota State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,616 | $7,773 | $7,800 | $3,720 | $7,773 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 90% | 95% | N/A% | 100% |
| Annual Graduates | 64 | 45 | 27 | 31 | 12 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98% | 99% | 85% | N/A | 99% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 66.4/100 | 57.8/100 | 56.5/100 | 53.6/100 | 48.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in South Dakota
South Dakota offers 6 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $59,024 in the South Dakota market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dakota State | $7,616 | 93% | 60 | 65.5 |
| #2 South Dakota School of... | $7,800 | 95% | 27 | 56.5 |
| #3 South Dakota State | $7,773 | 100% | 12 | 48.8 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota
For graduate study, South Dakota offers 3 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, 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 science master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dakota State | $7,616 | 93% | 64 | 66.4 |
| #2 U of South Dakota | $7,773 | 90% | 45 | 57.8 |
| #3 South Dakota State | $7,773 | 100% | 1 | 40.2 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in South Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in South Dakota are at Lake Area Technical College ($3,720/year), Dakota State University ($7,616/year), University of South Dakota ($7,773/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 Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science 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 Dakota State | $7,616 | $30,464 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 U of South Dakota | $7,773 | $31,092 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in South Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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.
Dakota State University
Madison, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,616 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 64 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 66.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 64 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (64 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,773 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 45 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 99%
- • Ranking Score: 57.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 45 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (45 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (99% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
USD offers the first AI specialization in South Dakota with a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 98% job placement rate. Students gain hands-on experience through internships at major companies and work with award-winning faculty in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 98% job placement of recent graduates
- Top Employers: Tyson Foods, Thomson Reuters, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sanford Health, Insightsoftware
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programs: AI Specialization and AI Certificate available in the state of South Dakota
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 Science Graduates: 27 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 56.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 27 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (27 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has articulation agreements providing a cost-effective pathway to a bachelor's degree with seamless transfer of general education credits from technical colleges.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Sources
Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,720 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 31 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 53.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 31 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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 Science Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 99%
- • Ranking Score: 48.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 12 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.
Computer Science 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 7)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in South Dakota FAQ
Based on 7 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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.