Top 3 Data Science Programs in South Dakota 2025
South Dakota State University
28 data science graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Lake Area Technical College
31 data science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Augustana University
11 data science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.South Dakota offers 5+ accredited data science 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 Science Education in South Dakota: Overview
South Dakota offers 5 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 72 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 science programs in the state are led by South Dakota State University, Lake Area Technical College, Augustana University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Dakota Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | Public | $7,773 | 100% | 55.2 |
| 2 | Lake Area Technical College | Watertown, SD | Public | $3,720 | — | 53.6 |
| 3 | Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $38,150 | — | 43.9 |
| 4 | University of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $20,340 | 90% | 41.1 |
| 5 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | Public | $7,616 | 93% | 38.7 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | South Dakota State | Lake Area Technical College | Augustana | U of Sioux Falls | Dakota State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,773 | $3,720 | $38,150 | $20,340 | $7,616 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | N/A% | N/A% | 90% | 93% |
| Annual Graduates | 28 | 31 | 11 | 1 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 99% | N/A | 59% | 82% | 98% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 55.2/100 | 53.6/100 | 43.9/100 | 41.1/100 | 38.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in South Dakota
South Dakota offers 4 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are South Dakota State University, Augustana University, University of Sioux Falls. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $59,024 in the South Dakota market.
A bachelor's in data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 South Dakota State | $7,773 | 100% | 28 | 55.2 |
| #2 Augustana | $38,150 | N/A% | 11 | 43.9 |
| #3 U of Sioux Falls | $20,340 | 90% | 1 | 41.1 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota
For graduate study, South Dakota offers 1 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include 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 data science master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 South Dakota State | $7,773 | 100% | 22 | 53.1 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in South Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in South Dakota are at Lake Area Technical College ($3,720/year), Dakota State University ($7,616/year), South Dakota State University ($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 Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data 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 South Dakota State | $7,773 | $31,092 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in South Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data 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.
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,773 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 99%
- • Ranking Score: 55.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 28 data science 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.
Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,720 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 31 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 53.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 31 data science 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.
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $38,150 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 43.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 11 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,340 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 82%
- • Ranking Score: 41.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 1 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 41.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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.
Dakota State University
Madison, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,616 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 38.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 1 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 38.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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
Data Scientist
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Quantitative Analyst
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Data 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 5)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Data Science in South Dakota FAQ
Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data 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.