Top 3 Network Administration Programs in South Dakota 2025
Dakota State University
93 network administration graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
Southeast Technical College
50 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
National American University-Rapid City
6 network administration graduates annually, 71% graduation rate
- 1.South Dakota offers 6+ accredited network administration 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)
Network Administration Education in South Dakota: Overview
South Dakota offers 6 accredited network administration programs, producing approximately 177 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 network administration programs in the state are led by Dakota State University, Southeast Technical College, National American University-Rapid City, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Dakota Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | Public | $7,616 | 93% | 72.4 |
| 2 | Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls, SD | Public | $3,720 | — | 61.8 |
| 3 | National American University-Rapid City | Rapid City, SD | For-Profit | $15,390 | 71% | 48 |
| 4 | Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell, SD | Public | $4,092 | — | 47.2 |
| 5 | Western Dakota Technical College | Rapid City, SD | Public | $3,472 | — | 46.2 |
| 6 | California Intercontinental University | Sioux Falls, SD | For-Profit | $7,884 | — | 39 |
Top 5 Network Administration Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | Dakota State | Southeast Technical College | National American... | Mitchell Technical College | Western Dakota Technical... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,616 | $3,720 | $15,390 | $4,092 | $3,472 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | N/A% | 71% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 93 | 50 | 6 | 14 | 12 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | For-Profit | Public | Public |
| Score | 72.4/100 | 61.8/100 | 48.0/100 | 47.2/100 | 46.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Network Administration in South Dakota
South Dakota offers 3 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Dakota State University, National American University-Rapid City, California Intercontinental University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $59,024 in the South Dakota market.
A bachelor's in network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dakota State | $7,616 | 93% | 93 | 72.4 |
| #2 National American... | $15,390 | 71% | 6 | 48.0 |
| #3 California Intercontinental | $7,884 | N/A% | 2 | 39.0 |
Top Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota
For graduate study, South Dakota offers 1 master's-level network administration programs. Leading institutions include 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 network administration master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.
Top 3 Network Administration Master's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dakota State | $7,616 | 93% | 30 | 54.4 |
Most Affordable Network Administration Colleges in South Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration programs in South Dakota are at Western Dakota Technical College ($3,472/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 Western Dakota Technical College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $13,888 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $59,024, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Network Administration Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Network Administration Programs in South Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Dakota Technical... | $3,472 | $13,888 | 0.6 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 Network Administration Schools in South Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 network administration 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)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 93 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 72.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 93 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (93 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (98% 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)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 61.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 50 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (50 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)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 6 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 48.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 71% graduation rate
- 6 network administration graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 48.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (71%), program size (6 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Mitchell Technical College
Mitchell, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,092 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 47.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 14 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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.
Western Dakota Technical College
Rapid City, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,472 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 46.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 12 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (12 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.
Network Administration 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 6)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Network Administration in South Dakota FAQ
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Network Administration 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.