South Dakota Colleges

South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore and more than 30 colleges and universities. The University of South Dakota is the state's oldest university, and has the only schools of law and medicine in the state. It has been nationally recognized as one of the best schools in the Midwest. South Dakota State University is the largest university in the state with a student population of about 12,000. Private South Dakota colleges such as Black Hills State University and Dakota State University offer a more intimate education setting with campuses of roughly 4,000 and 2,000 students respectively. South Dakota’s largest city is Sioux Falls and Rapid City also boasts one of the state’s biggest populations. There you’ll find the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology , which focuses on engineering and science degrees. Technical schools are popular in the Midwestern state with Southeast Technical Institute offering options to students looking for a 2-year college experience. A few tribal institutions and community colleges in South Dakota round out the field.

South Dakota College and Degree Offerings

South Dakota may not have a lot to offer when it comes to big cities, but that doesn’t mean the colleges and universities don’t provide a wide range of degree options. South Dakota State University for example has 200 programs alone. Add to that more than 30 other South Dakota colleges and most students will have no problem finding a major to match their career goals. Many public and private schools have a long list of bachelors degree and masters degree programs. Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies degrees are available at Augustana College - Sioux Falls and University of Sioux Falls. Community colleges in South Dakota offer ample opportunities for 2-year degrees and career colleges and technical schools cover the bases for certificate program-seekers and 2-year career training degrees.

South Dakota Career Opportunities

Home to tourist attraction Mount Rushmore, South Dakota has one of the lowest population densities of any state in the nation. If you stick around after graduating from one of the South Dakota colleges, expect to live a rural lifestyle. That said, the career opportunities here aren’t all about agricultural, though farming is a big part of the economy. If you want to run or start a local business, Management, General Business and Business Administration and Management careers are available to pursue in South Dakota. Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls is the top employer in the state. Medical-focused technical schools can prepare students for careers as Licensed Practical /Vocational Nurse Training (LPN, LVN, Cert, Dipl, AAS), Medical Insurance/Biller , Healthcare Administration and Surgical Technologist professionals. Opportunities in Secondary Education and Early Childhood Education are also expected to be in demand and qualified graduates of colleges in South Dakota should enjoy successful careers in the public and private schools.