On this page
Key Takeaways
Best data analytics degree programs: South Dakota State, Dakota State,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $7,616 to $38,150/year
South Dakota State offers the most affordable option at $7,773/yr
Data Analytics degree programs available: 1 associate's, 2 master's in South Dakota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
South Dakota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 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
Data Analytics 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 Data Analytics programs
We rank 5 accredited data analytics 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 Data Analytics Degree Programs in South Dakota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Analytics Degree Rankings in South Dakota
Compare the top-ranked Data Analytics programs in South Dakota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Analytics Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in data analytics, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include South Dakota State, 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 $7,773/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 data analytics schools in South Dakota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data analytics degrees in South Dakota.
Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are South Dakota State, Dakota State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from South Dakota data analytics 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 $7,616 to $7,773 annually, with an average of $7,695/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 96%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 data analytics degrees in South Dakota, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Data Analytics Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota offers 2 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, South Dakota State, Augustana, 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 $22,962/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 data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Data Analytics Degree Costs & Tuition in South Dakota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $17,846/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $44,615/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,462/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $107,076 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $26,768 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in South Dakota
State Aid Programs
South Dakota students pursuing data analytics degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to reduce the cost of higher education. The primary federal mechanism is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through Federal Student Aid, which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, South Dakota offers the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, a merit-based award specifically for South Dakota high school graduates attending eligible institutions (South Dakota Board of Regents). This state-level support complements federal assistance and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualifying students.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond federal and state grants, individual institutions offer institutional scholarships and assistantships. South Dakota's public universities, including South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, frequently provide department-specific scholarships for data analytics majors. The state's lack of income tax represents an additional financial advantage for residents and graduates, allowing more discretionary income for loan repayment or further education. Students should explore all available funding through the College Scorecard tool to compare net price and aid packages across schools. For more information on state-specific opportunities, consult the South Dakota Board of Regents website, which maintains current scholarship listings and links to related programs.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator, South Dakota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics 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.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
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.
$133,333
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
Data Analytics 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 Data Analytics Graduates in South Dakota
Find data analytics jobs in South Dakota. These major employers across South Dakota metro areas are actively hiring data analytics degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Analytics Jobs in Sioux Falls
SDData Analytics Jobs in Rapid City
SDTransfer Pathways for Data Analytics Degrees in South Dakota
State Transfer System
South Dakota's transfer system is designed to help seamless movement of students between institutions. The SD Board of Regents Transfer Policy ensures that courses completed at any public institution are recognized and counted toward degrees at other public universities in the system. This framework is particularly valuable for students beginning their analytics education at one of South Dakota's 7 two-year institutions, including community colleges offering the 1 associate's degree in data analytics. Students can complete general education and foundational coursework at lower cost before transferring to a four-year university to complete specialized analytics coursework.
How Transfers Work
Transfer pathways allow students to benefit from South Dakota's affordable public tuition structure while progressively building toward advanced degrees. A student might begin with an associate's degree at a two-year institution, then transfer to Dakota State University or South Dakota State University to complete a bachelor's degree, and finally pursue a master's at the University of South Dakota. The state's commitment to transfer accessibility means credits earned at any public institution count toward graduation requirements. For more information on financial aid for transfer students, visit Federal Student Aid. Related programs in data science, database management, and information systems follow similar transfer protocols.
Why Pursue a Data Analytics Degree in South Dakota?
Industry & Workforce
South Dakota offers a growing landscape for data analytics education with 7 institutions currently offering programs at various degree levels (IPEDS). The state's public four-year universities maintain an average in-state tuition of just $6,250, making it an affordable option for students pursuing analytics credentials. South Dakota's lack of state income tax provides an additional financial advantage for graduates building careers in the state, particularly with major employers like Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Hy-Vee expanding their data-driven operations.
Salary Outlook
South Dakota State University leads the state with 51 completions across all degree levels, demonstrating strong program maturity and student outcomes. The state's tech hubs in Sioux Falls and Rapid City are increasingly attracting data-focused companies seeking analytics talent. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's degree at one of the top-ranked programs or exploring online education options, South Dakota institutions deliver quality education at competitive costs. For context on comparable programs nationwide, explore how South Dakota's offerings stack up against data analytics programs in California, Texas, and New York.
South Dakota Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: South Dakota Department of Revenue
Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in South Dakota
Employment Outlook
South Dakota's data analytics job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a diverse employer base across healthcare, retail, and financial services sectors. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the state offers competitive opportunities for analytics professionals in major metropolitan areas including Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The Sioux Falls metro area serves as the primary hub for data analytics employment, home to regional headquarters of major corporations and healthcare systems. Job growth in analytics-related fields reflects broader national trends, with positions requiring data interpretation and business intelligence skills in particularly high demand across South Dakota's largest employers.
Salaries by Metro
The state's educational pipeline supports this job market through 7 institutions offering data analytics programs at various degree levels, from associate's through master's degrees (IPEDS Program Data). South Dakota's lack of state income tax provides a significant financial advantage for data analytics professionals, enhancing total compensation packages compared to neighboring states. Career advancement opportunities exist in both established metros and emerging regional tech clusters throughout East River and West River regions. Graduates from programs like those at South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota find strong placement rates within state, positioning South Dakota as an increasingly attractive destination for analytics talent seeking lower cost of living and quality employment opportunities.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Analytics Programs in South Dakota
Online Programs
0 available in South Dakota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Analytics Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 26
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $32,500
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $8,100
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 64
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $11,500
Data Analytics Degree Programs in South Dakota: FAQ
What are the best data analytics degree programs in South Dakota?
How much do data analytics degree programs cost in South Dakota?
What salary can data analytics degree graduates earn in South Dakota?
Are there online data analytics degree programs in South Dakota?
What companies hire data analytics degree graduates in South Dakota?
Is a data analytics degree program worth it in South Dakota?
How long do data analytics degree programs take in South Dakota?
What financial aid is available for data analytics 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.