Top 3 Data Analytics Programs in South Dakota 2025
South Dakota State University
28 data analytics graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Augustana University
10 data analytics graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Dakota State University
1 data analytics graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
- 1.South Dakota offers 3+ accredited data analytics programs across public and private universities
- 2.South Dakota State University leads with 100% 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)
Data Analytics Education in South Dakota: Overview
South Dakota offers 3 accredited data analytics programs, producing approximately 39 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 data analytics programs in the state are led by South Dakota State University, Augustana University, Dakota State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Dakota Data Analytics Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | Public | $7,773 | 100% | 55.2 |
| 2 | Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $38,150 | — | 43.3 |
| 3 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | Public | $7,616 | 93% | 38.7 |
Top 5 Data Analytics Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | South Dakota State | Augustana | Dakota State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,773 | $38,150 | $7,616 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | N/A% | 93% |
| Annual Graduates | 28 | 10 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 99% | 59% | 98% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 55.2/100 | 43.3/100 | 38.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Analytics in South Dakota
South Dakota offers 2 bachelor's-level data analytics programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are South Dakota State University, Dakota State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $59,024 in the South Dakota market.
A bachelor's in data analytics typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 South Dakota State | $7,773 | 100% | 28 | 55.2 |
| #2 Dakota State | $7,616 | 93% | 1 | 38.7 |
Top Data Analytics Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota
For graduate study, South Dakota offers 2 master's-level data analytics programs. Leading institutions include South Dakota State University, Augustana 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 data analytics master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.
Top 3 Data Analytics Master's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 South Dakota State | $7,773 | 100% | 22 | 53.1 |
| #2 Augustana | $38,150 | N/A% | 10 | 43.3 |
Most Affordable Data Analytics Colleges in South Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data analytics programs in South Dakota are at Dakota State University ($7,616/year), South Dakota State University ($7,773/year), Augustana University ($38,150/year). These programs offer strong ROI given South Dakota's competitive tech salaries.
At Dakota State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $30,464 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $59,024, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.3 years. See our Most Affordable Data Analytics Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Analytics Programs in South Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dakota State | $7,616 | $30,464 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #2 South Dakota State | $7,773 | $31,092 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 Augustana | $38,150 | $152,600 | 6.4 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Analytics Schools in South Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data analytics 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 State University
Brookings, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,773 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 99%
- • Ranking Score: 55.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 28 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (28 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)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 43.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 10 data analytics graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (59% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Dakota State University
Madison, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,616 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 38.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 1 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 38.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (98% 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.
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.
Data Analytics 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 3)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Data Analytics in South Dakota FAQ
Based on 3 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Analytics 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.