Top 3 Game Development Programs in South Dakota 2025
Lake Area Technical College
31 game development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Dakota Wesleyan University
5 game development graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
Southeast Technical College
14 game development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.South Dakota offers 5+ accredited game development programs across public and private universities
- 2.Lake Area Technical College leads with strong% 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)
Game Development Education in South Dakota: Overview
South Dakota offers 5 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 62 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 game development programs in the state are led by Lake Area Technical College, Dakota Wesleyan University, Southeast Technical College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Dakota Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Area Technical College | Watertown, SD | Public | $3,720 | — | 53.6 |
| 2 | Dakota Wesleyan University | Mitchell, SD | Private | $31,700 | 91% | 47.6 |
| 3 | Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls, SD | Public | $3,720 | — | 47.2 |
| 4 | Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $38,150 | — | 43.9 |
| 5 | University of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $20,340 | 90% | 41.1 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | Lake Area Technical College | Dakota Wesleyan | Southeast Technical College | Augustana | U of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,720 | $31,700 | $3,720 | $38,150 | $20,340 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 91% | N/A% | N/A% | 90% |
| Annual Graduates | 31 | 5 | 14 | 11 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 73% | N/A | 59% | 82% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 53.6/100 | 47.6/100 | 47.2/100 | 43.9/100 | 41.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in South Dakota
South Dakota offers 3 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Dakota Wesleyan 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 game development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Game Development Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Game Development Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dakota Wesleyan | $31,700 | 91% | 5 | 47.6 |
| #2 Augustana | $38,150 | N/A% | 11 | 43.9 |
| #3 U of Sioux Falls | $20,340 | 90% | 1 | 41.1 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota
Master's-level game development programs are limited in South Dakota. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best game development master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in South Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development programs in South Dakota are at Lake Area Technical College ($3,720/year), Southeast Technical College ($3,720/year), University of Sioux Falls ($20,340/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 Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development 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 Southeast Technical College | $3,720 | $14,880 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 U of Sioux Falls | $20,340 | $81,360 | 3.4 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Game Development Schools in South Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development 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.
Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,720 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 31 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 53.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 31 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 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.
Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, SD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $31,700 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 47.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 5 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Southeast Technical College
Sioux Falls, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,720 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 47.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 14 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (14 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)
- • Game Development Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 43.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 11 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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)
- • Game Development Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 82%
- • Ranking Score: 41.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 1 game development graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 41.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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.
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.
Game Development 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
Game Development in South Dakota FAQ
Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Game Development 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.