Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in South Dakota 2025
Lake Area Technical College
31 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
8 software engineering graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Southeast Technical College
14 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.South Dakota offers 5+ accredited software engineering 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)
Software Engineering Education in South Dakota: Overview
South Dakota offers 5 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 65 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 software engineering programs in the state are led by Lake Area Technical College, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Southeast Technical College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Dakota Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Area Technical College | Watertown, SD | Public | $3,720 | — | 53.6 |
| 2 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Rapid City, SD | Public | $7,800 | 95% | 48.2 |
| 3 | Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls, SD | Public | $3,720 | — | 47.2 |
| 4 | Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $38,150 | — | 43.9 |
| 5 | University of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls, SD | Private | $20,340 | 90% | 41.1 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | Lake Area Technical College | South Dakota School of... | Southeast Technical College | Augustana | U of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,720 | $7,800 | $3,720 | $38,150 | $20,340 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 95% | N/A% | N/A% | 90% |
| Annual Graduates | 31 | 8 | 14 | 11 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 85% | N/A | 59% | 82% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 53.6/100 | 48.2/100 | 47.2/100 | 43.9/100 | 41.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in South Dakota
South Dakota offers 3 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 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 software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 South Dakota School of... | $7,800 | 95% | 8 | 48.2 |
| #2 Augustana | $38,150 | N/A% | 11 | 43.9 |
| #3 U of Sioux Falls | $20,340 | 90% | 1 | 41.1 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota
Master's-level software engineering 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 software engineering master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in South Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in South Dakota are at Lake Area Technical College ($3,720/year), Southeast Technical College ($3,720/year), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($7,800/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 Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in South Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #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 South Dakota School of... | $7,800 | $31,200 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in South Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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.
Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,720 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 31 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 53.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 31 software engineering 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.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,800 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 48.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 8 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (8 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 47.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 14 software engineering 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.
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $38,150 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 43.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 11 software engineering 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.
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,340 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 82%
- • Ranking Score: 41.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 1 software engineering 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.
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.
Software Engineering 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 5)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Software Engineering in South Dakota FAQ
Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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.