Top 3 Information Technology Programs in South Dakota 2025
Dakota State University
104 information technology graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
University of South Dakota
45 information technology graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
27 information technology graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
- 1.South Dakota offers 10+ accredited information technology programs across public and private universities
- 2.Dakota State University leads with 93% 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)
Information Technology Education in South Dakota: Overview
South Dakota offers 10 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 251 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 information technology programs in the state are led by Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Dakota Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | Public | $7,616 | 93% | 73.7 |
| 2 | University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | Public | $7,773 | 90% | 57.4 |
| 3 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Rapid City, SD | Public | $7,800 | 95% | 56.1 |
| 4 | Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls, SD | Public | $3,720 | — | 51.6 |
| 5 | National American University-Rapid City | Rapid City, SD | For-Profit | $15,390 | 71% | 50.3 |
| 6 | South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | Public | $7,773 | 100% | 48.6 |
| 7 | Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell, SD | Public | $4,092 | — | 46.9 |
| 8 | Oglala Lakota College | Kyle, SD | Public | $2,016 | — | 41.7 |
| 9 | Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $38,150 | — | 40.7 |
| 10 | California Intercontinental University | Sioux Falls, SD | For-Profit | $7,884 | — | 38.9 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | Dakota State | U of South Dakota | South Dakota School of... | Southeast Technical College | National American... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,616 | $7,773 | $7,800 | $3,720 | $15,390 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 90% | 95% | N/A% | 71% |
| Annual Graduates | 104 | 45 | 27 | 26 | 10 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98% | 99% | 85% | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | For-Profit |
| Score | 73.7/100 | 57.4/100 | 56.1/100 | 51.6/100 | 50.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in South Dakota
South Dakota offers 8 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, National American University-Rapid City. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $59,024 in the South Dakota market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dakota State | $7,616 | 93% | 79 | 69.7 |
| #2 South Dakota School of... | $7,800 | 95% | 27 | 56.1 |
| #3 National American... | $15,390 | 71% | 10 | 50.3 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota
For graduate study, South Dakota offers 3 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, 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 information technology master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dakota State | $7,616 | 93% | 104 | 73.7 |
| #2 U of South Dakota | $7,773 | 90% | 45 | 57.4 |
| #3 South Dakota State | $7,773 | 100% | 1 | 40.1 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in South Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in South Dakota are at Oglala Lakota College ($2,016/year), Southeast Technical College ($3,720/year), Mitchell Technical College ($4,092/year). These programs offer strong ROI given South Dakota's competitive tech salaries.
At Oglala Lakota College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $8,064 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $59,024, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years. See our Most Affordable Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in South Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Oglala Lakota College | $2,016 | $8,064 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 Southeast Technical College | $3,720 | $14,880 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 Mitchell Technical College | $4,092 | $16,368 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in South Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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.
Dakota State University
Madison, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,616 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 104 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 73.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 104 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (104 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,773 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 45 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 99%
- • Ranking Score: 57.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 45 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (45 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (99% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,800 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 27 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 56.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 27 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (27 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (85% 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 26 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 51.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 26 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (26 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
National American University-Rapid City
Rapid City, SD • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,390 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 71% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 50.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 71% graduation rate
- 10 information technology graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 50.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (71%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (N/A% 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.
Information Technology 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 10)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Technology in South Dakota FAQ
Based on 10 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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.