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Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: Dakota State, National American Univers..., California Intercontinental
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,720 to $15,390/year
Southeast Technical College offers the most affordable option at $3,720/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 3 associate's, 1 master's, 1 doctoral in South Dakota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
South Dakota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 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
Information Security 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 Information Security programs
We rank 8 accredited information security 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 Information Security Degree Programs in South Dakota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in South Dakota
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in South Dakota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Southeast Technical College, Dakota State, Mitchell Technical College, 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 $5,143/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 information security schools in South Dakota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in South Dakota.
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Dakota State, National American Univers..., California Intercontinental, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from South Dakota information security 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 $15,390 annually, with an average of $10,297/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 82%, with the highest reaching 93%. 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 information security degrees in South Dakota, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
National American University-Rapid City
Best Master's Information Security Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota offers 1 master's degree programs in information security, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Dakota State, 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 $7,616/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 information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Information Security Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota is home to 1 doctoral programs in information security, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Dakota State are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with South Dakota PhD holders earning a median of $105,400, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Raven Industries, Daktronics, First Premier Bank.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across South Dakota programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing information security degrees in South Dakota, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in South Dakota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $7,740/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $19,350/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,935/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $46,440 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $11,610 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in South Dakota
State Aid Programs
South Dakota offers exceptional financial incentives for students pursuing Information Security degrees. The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship (South Dakota Board of Regents) provides merit-based awards specifically for South Dakota high school graduates, making it an excellent starting point for state residents. Beyond state programs, all students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at StudentAid.gov, which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The application process is straightforward and opens October 1st annually, allowing students to plan their Information Security education well in advance.
Key Programs & Amounts
A unique advantage for South Dakota Information Security students is the state's lack of income tax, which extends financial benefits beyond tuition assistance. When combined with South Dakota's affordability compared to national averages, this creates a genuinely cost-effective pathway to a cybersecurity career. Most public four-year institutions in South Dakota charge approximately $6,250 for in-state tuition and $8,553 for out-of-state tuition (IPEDS), significantly lower than the national median. Students should also explore institutional scholarships directly from their chosen program, as schools like Dakota State University and South Dakota State University frequently offer additional merit-based aid for cybersecurity majors. For comprehensive guidance, the College Scorecard provides detailed net price calculators for each institution.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, South Dakota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security 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.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information security 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
Information Security 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 Information Security Graduates in South Dakota
Find information security jobs in South Dakota. These major employers across South Dakota metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Sioux Falls
SDInformation Security Jobs in Rapid City
SDTransfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in South Dakota
State Transfer System
South Dakota's coordinated transfer system facilitates smooth educational progression from associate's to bachelor's degree programs. The SD Board of Regents Transfer Policy (SD Board of Regents Transfer Policy) ensures course transfer among all South Dakota public institutions, eliminating duplicate coursework and reducing time-to-degree for students pursuing information security pathways. With 5 associate's degree institutions across the state, including Southeast Technical College (50 completions), Mitchell Technical College (14 completions), and Lake Area Technical College, students can begin their information security studies at technically-focused two-year institutions before transferring to four-year universities. This articulated approach makes higher education accessible and affordable, leveraging South Dakota's low in-state tuition structure.
How Transfers Work
Transfer agreements between South Dakota's technical colleges and universities like Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology guarantee that coursework completed at the associate's level counts toward bachelor's degree requirements. Students earning an associate's degree in information security from Southeast Technical College or Mitchell Technical College can seamlessly continue at any of the 4 bachelor's institutions without losing credits. The South Dakota Board of Regents also administers the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, a merit-based program supporting state high school graduates (South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship), which applies across transfer pathways. For students seeking advanced degrees, the single master's program at the University of South Dakota welcomes transfer students with relevant bachelor's credentials. This integrated system maximizes educational affordability while maintaining quality standards across all degree levels.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in South Dakota?
Industry & Workforce
South Dakota offers a strong pathway into information security with 11 institutions dedicated to this field across the state (IPEDS). In 2023, these programs produced 120 bachelor's completions, 85 associate's completions, 30 master's completions, and 6 doctoral completions, demonstrating strong educational infrastructure at multiple degree levels. Dakota State University leads the charge with an impressive 169 total completions, establishing itself as the premier destination for information security education in the region. Whether you're pursuing an associate's degree from a technical college or a doctorate from a research institution, South Dakota's educational ecosystem supports diverse career pathways.
Salary Outlook
Beyond academics, South Dakota presents compelling financial advantages for students. Public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of just $6,250, well below national averages, with schools like Dakota State University offering competitive rates at $7,616 per year (South Dakota Board of Regents). Even more significantly, South Dakota has no state income tax, a substantial long-term benefit for graduates building careers in cybersecurity and threat management. Major employment hubs in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, coupled with employers like Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Citibank, create immediate opportunities for internships and post-graduation placement. For more related fields, explore cybersecurity programs and network administration options across the state.
South Dakota Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: South Dakota Department of Revenue
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in South Dakota
Employment Outlook
South Dakota's information security job market is growing steadily, supported by a diverse employer base spanning healthcare, finance, and retail sectors. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the state offers competitive opportunities for security professionals across multiple regions. Major metropolitan areas including Sioux Falls and Rapid City serve as primary employment hubs, with Sioux Falls emerging as the strongest market for technology careers. The state's lack of income tax provides an additional financial advantage for professionals relocating to or starting careers in South Dakota, effectively increasing take-home compensation compared to neighboring states.
Salaries by Metro
Information security education in South Dakota is strong, with 11 institutions offering programs across multiple credential levels (IPEDS data). In 2023, South Dakota schools awarded 120 bachelor's degrees, 85 associate's degrees, 30 master's degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees in information security. Dakota State University leads the state with 169 completions, followed by Southeast Technical College with 50 completions. Students pursuing information security degrees can explore related fields through programs in cybersecurity in South Dakota, network administration in South Dakota, and information technology in South Dakota to expand their career options. The availability of affordable in-state public tuition averaging $6,250 makes South Dakota an attractive destination for cybersecurity talent development.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Security Programs in South Dakota
Online Programs
0 available in South Dakota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Security Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $8,200
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $6,400
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 3
- Median Tuition
- $3,200
- Total Programs
- 3
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
Information Security Degree Programs in South Dakota: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in South Dakota?
How much do information security degree programs cost in South Dakota?
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in South Dakota?
Are there online information security degree programs in South Dakota?
What companies hire information security degree graduates in South Dakota?
Is an information security degree program worth it in South Dakota?
How long do information security degree programs take in South Dakota?
What financial aid is available for information security 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.