Top 3 UX Design Programs in South Dakota 2025
Dakota State University
22 ux design graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
Dakota Wesleyan University
5 ux design graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
Sisseton Wahpeton College
1 ux design graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.South Dakota offers 3+ accredited ux design 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)
UX Design Education in South Dakota: Overview
South Dakota offers 3 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 28 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 ux design programs in the state are led by Dakota State University, Dakota Wesleyan University, Sisseton Wahpeton College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
South Dakota UX Design Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dakota State University | Madison, SD | Public | $7,616 | 93% | 51.6 |
| 2 | Dakota Wesleyan University | Mitchell, SD | Private | $31,700 | 91% | 47.6 |
| 3 | Sisseton Wahpeton College | Sisseton, SD | Public | $3,840 | — | 37.6 |
Top 5 UX Design Programs in South Dakota: Side-by-Side
| School | Dakota State | Dakota Wesleyan | Sisseton Wahpeton College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,616 | $31,700 | $3,840 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 91% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 22 | 5 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98% | 73% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 51.6/100 | 47.6/100 | 37.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in South Dakota
South Dakota offers 2 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Dakota State University, Dakota Wesleyan University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $59,024 in the South Dakota market.
A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in South Dakota
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Dakota State | $7,616 | 93% | 22 | 51.6 |
| #2 Dakota Wesleyan | $31,700 | 91% | 5 | 47.6 |
Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in South Dakota
Master's-level ux design 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 ux design master's programs for more options beyond South Dakota.
Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in South Dakota
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in South Dakota are at Sisseton Wahpeton College ($3,840/year), Dakota State University ($7,616/year), Dakota Wesleyan University ($31,700/year). These programs offer strong ROI given South Dakota's competitive tech salaries.
At Sisseton Wahpeton College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $15,360 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $59,024, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable UX Design Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable UX Design Programs in South Dakota (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Sisseton Wahpeton College | $3,840 | $15,360 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 Dakota State | $7,616 | $30,464 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 Dakota Wesleyan | $31,700 | $126,800 | 5.3 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in South Dakota
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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)
- • UX Design Graduates: 22 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 51.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 22 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 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.
Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, SD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $31,700 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 47.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 5 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($84,320), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Sisseton Wahpeton College
Sisseton, SD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,840 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 37.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 37.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1 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.
UX Design 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 3)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
UX Design in South Dakota FAQ
Based on 3 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
UX Design 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.