South Dakota university campus representing mobile development education
Updated December 2025

Best Mobile Development Programs in South Dakota: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 6 top accredited mobile development programs in South Dakota. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen.

Programs Ranked6
Median Salary$84,320
Cost of Living95.6%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Mobile Development Programs in South Dakota 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SDPublic

31 mobile development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$4K
Tuition/yr
53.6
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Dakota State University

Madison, SDPublic

22 mobile development graduates annually, 93% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad Rate
51.6
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SDPublic

14 mobile development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$4K
Tuition/yr
47.2
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.South Dakota offers 6+ accredited mobile 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)

Mobile Development Education in South Dakota: Overview

South Dakota offers 6 accredited mobile development programs, producing approximately 80 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 mobile development programs in the state are led by Lake Area Technical College, Dakota State University, Southeast Technical College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

South Dakota Mobile Development Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Lake Area Technical CollegeWatertown, SDPublic$3,720โ€”53.6
2Dakota State UniversityMadison, SDPublic$7,61693%51.6
3Southeast Technical CollegeSioux Falls, SDPublic$3,720โ€”47.2
4Augustana UniversitySioux Falls, SDPrivate$38,150โ€”43.9
5University of Sioux FallsSioux Falls, SDPrivate$20,34090%41.1
6Sisseton Wahpeton CollegeSisseton, SDPublic$3,840โ€”37.6

Top 5 Mobile Development Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side

SchoolLake Area Technical CollegeDakota StateSoutheast Technical CollegeAugustanaU of Sioux Falls
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$3,720
$7,616
$3,720
$38,150
$20,340
Graduation Rate
N/A%
93%
N/A%
N/A%
90%
Annual Graduates
31
22
14
11
1
Acceptance Rate
N/A
98%
N/A
59%
82%
Type
Public
Public
Public
Private
Private
Score
53.6/100
51.6/100
47.2/100
43.9/100
41.1/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Mobile Development in South Dakota

South Dakota offers 3 bachelor's-level mobile development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are 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 mobile development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Mobile Development Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Mobile Development Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Dakota State
$7,616
93%
22
51.6
#2 Augustana
$38,150
N/A%
11
43.9
#3 U of Sioux Falls
$20,340
90%
1
41.1

Top Mobile Development Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota

Master's-level mobile 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 mobile development master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.

Most Affordable Mobile Development Colleges in South Dakota

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable mobile development programs in South Dakota are at Lake Area Technical College ($3,720/year), Southeast Technical College ($3,720/year), Sisseton Wahpeton College ($3,840/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 Mobile Development Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Mobile Development Programs in South Dakota (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#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 Sisseton Wahpeton College
$3,840
$15,360
0.6 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Mobile Development Schools in South Dakota

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 mobile 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.

#1

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $3,720 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 31 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 53.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 31 mobile 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.

#2

Dakota State University

Madison, SD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,616 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 22 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 98%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • 22 mobile development graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 51.6 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (22 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $3,720 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 14 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 47.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 14 mobile 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.

#4

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $38,150 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 11 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 43.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 11 mobile 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.

#5

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $20,340 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Mobile Development Graduates: 1 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 41.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 1 mobile 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.

$59,024
Starting Salary
$84,320
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
96
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$85,394

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$85,399

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$83,521
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$85,071

Database Administrator opportunities in South Dakota with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$81,438

Mobile Development Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose South Dakota if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs South Dakota's 6)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration

Mobile Development in South Dakota FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Mobile Development degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

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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.