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Key Takeaways
Best information technology degree programs: Dakota State, South Dakota School of Mi..., National American Univers...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,016 to $38,150/year
Southeast Technical College offers the most affordable option at $3,720/yr
Information Technology degree programs available: 4 associate's, 3 master's, 1 doctoral in South Dakota
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online information technology degree programs in South Dakota
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
South Dakota community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
4 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 Technology 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 Technology programs
We rank 16 accredited information technology 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 Technology Degree Programs in South Dakota Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Technology Degree Rankings in South Dakota
Compare the top-ranked Information Technology programs in South Dakota by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Technology Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota offers 4 accredited associate's degree programs in information technology, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Southeast Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, 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 $4,361/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 technology schools in South Dakota, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information technology degrees in South Dakota.
Best Bachelor's Information Technology Programs in South Dakota
Program Landscape
South Dakota ranks among the nation's top destinations for information technology education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Dakota State, South Dakota School of Mi..., National American Univers..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from South Dakota information technology 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 $2,016 to $38,150 annually, with an average of $11,800/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 90%, 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 information technology degrees in South Dakota, these top-ranked information technology schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
National American University-Rapid City
Information Technology Degree Costs & Tuition in South Dakota
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,221/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $25,553/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,555/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $61,328 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $15,332 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Technology Students in South Dakota
State Aid Programs
South Dakota offers several financial aid opportunities specifically designed to support students pursuing Information Technology degrees. The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship (South Dakota Board of Regents) provides merit-based awards to South Dakota high school graduates, making it an excellent resource for in-state students. Additionally, all students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. South Dakota's lack of state income tax provides an additional financial advantage for graduates entering the workforce, allowing them to retain more of their earnings.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state-level aid, individual institutions offer institutional scholarships and assistantships. Dakota State University, the state's leading IT program producer with 193 completions (IPEDS), and South Dakota State University both offer competitive scholarship packages. The South Dakota Board of Regents Transfer Policy (South Dakota Board of Regents) ensures seamless course transfer among public institutions, allowing students to start at community colleges and transfer credits without financial penalty. Students should also explore employer-sponsored tuition assistance from major regional employers including Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Citibank, which actively recruit IT professionals from South Dakota institutions.
Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator, South Dakota
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information technology 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 Technology Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information technology degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+692%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,279,487
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
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 Technology 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 Technology Graduates in South Dakota
Find information technology jobs in South Dakota. These major employers across South Dakota metro areas are actively hiring information technology degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Technology Jobs in Sioux Falls
SDInformation Technology Jobs in Rapid City
SDTransfer Pathways for Information Technology Degrees in South Dakota
State Transfer System
South Dakota's higher education system facilitates seamless transfer between institutions through the SD Board of Regents Transfer Policy, which ensures course transfer among South Dakota public institutions. Students beginning at one of the state's 7 two-year institutions, including Southeast Technical College and Mitchell Technical College, can complete associate's degrees and transfer credits directly to 18 four-year institutions offering bachelor's programs. This pathway reduces time-to-degree and costs while maintaining educational momentum. Articulation agreements specify which courses satisfy general education requirements and major prerequisites at receiving institutions, allowing students to progress smoothly. Southeast Technical College and Mitchell Technical College offer associate's degrees in Information Technology at tuitions of $3,720 and $4,092 respectively, making community colleges a cost-effective entry point for students pursuing bachelor's degrees at institutions like Dakota State University or South Dakota State University.
How Transfers Work
The transfer system supports students' financial goals and career timelines by enabling affordable first-year and second-year coursework before transferring to four-year programs. Community college IT graduates gain immediate employment skills while building a pathway to bachelor's and master's degrees. For specific transfer agreements and course mapping, consult the South Dakota Board of Regents website and institutional transfer services offices. Students exploring specialized pathways after completing associate's degrees should review Information Systems in South Dakota, Cybersecurity in South Dakota, and Network Administration in South Dakota for advanced degree opportunities aligned with their career interests.
Why Pursue an Information Technology Degree in South Dakota?
Industry & Workforce
South Dakota offers a strong pathway into information technology careers with 22 institutions delivering IT programs across multiple degree levels. According to IPEDS data, the state awarded 150 bachelor's degrees, 150 master's degrees, 50 associate's degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees in Information Technology during 2023. This diverse program landscape ensures students can find options suited to their academic goals and timeline. Dakota State University leads the state with 193 completions, followed by the University of South Dakota with 58 completions, making these institutions focal points for IT talent development in the region.
Salary Outlook
South Dakota's financial advantages make IT education particularly accessible. The state boasts no state income tax, providing graduates with enhanced earning potential. Public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of $6,250, well below national averages, while the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship offers merit-based aid to qualifying high school graduates. Major employers including Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Hy-Vee create strong job placement opportunities in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, the state's primary tech hubs. Students seeking affordability without sacrificing program quality should explore Information Systems in South Dakota and Cybersecurity in South Dakota for specialized pathways, or review national best Information Technology programs for comparative context.
South Dakota Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: South Dakota Department of Revenue
Information Technology Job Market & Salary Data in South Dakota
Employment Outlook
South Dakota's information technology job market is supported by a growing network of educational institutions and a diverse employer base. The state is home to 22 institutions offering IT programs across multiple degree levels, from associate's degrees through doctoral programs (IPEDS). This educational infrastructure produces 355 IT program completions annually, with 150 bachelor's degree completions and 150 master's degree completions per year (IPEDS). The concentration of IT talent development is particularly strong at institutions like Dakota State University, which alone accounts for 193 completions, making it the leading producer of IT professionals in the state. The state's financial advantages include no state income tax, which enhances overall compensation packages for IT professionals compared to neighboring states (South Dakota Board of Regents).
Salaries by Metro
Job opportunities in South Dakota's IT sector are concentrated in major metropolitan areas and regional hubs. The Sioux Falls metro area serves as the primary technology employment center, while Rapid City in the Black Hills region provides additional opportunities. Major employers across healthcare, financial services, and retail sectors actively recruit IT professionals. For current salary data and detailed employment statistics for South Dakota, prospective graduates should consult the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for South Dakota. The state's average public in-state tuition of $6,250 at four-year institutions makes IT education particularly affordable compared to national averages, allowing graduates to enter the workforce with manageable debt levels. Students can explore related IT specializations through programs in Cybersecurity in South Dakota and Cloud Computing in South Dakota to enhance their career marketability.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Technology Programs in South Dakota
Online Programs
1 available in South Dakota
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Technology Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $7,200
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $8,600
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $24,900
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $5,800
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $3,200
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $4,900
- Total Programs
- 123
- Median Tuition
- $1,500
- Total Programs
- 27
- Median Tuition
- $7,300
Information Technology Degree Programs in South Dakota: FAQ
What are the best information technology degree programs in South Dakota?
How much do information technology degree programs cost in South Dakota?
What salary can information technology degree graduates earn in South Dakota?
Are there online information technology degree programs in South Dakota?
What companies hire information technology degree graduates in South Dakota?
Is an information technology degree program worth it in South Dakota?
How long do information technology degree programs take in South Dakota?
What financial aid is available for information technology 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.