1. University of South Dakota
Overview
Location: Vermillion, South Dakota
Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota (USD) is the state’s oldest university and a flagship public research institution. USD is well known for its Sanford School of Medicine, Beacom School of Business, and School of Law. The university offers a diverse array of programs and is a leader in health sciences, business, and law.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #249 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 9,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1250
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Coyotes Athletics
- Greek life
- Student government
- Campus activities board
- USD Symphony Orchestra
Famous Alumni
- Tom Brokaw – Former NBC News anchor
- John Thune – U.S. Senator
- Al Neuharth – Founder of USA Today
- Jim Abbott – Former MLB pitcher
- Stephanie Herseth Sandlin – Former U.S. Congresswoman
Top Employers
- Sanford Health
- Avera Health
- Daktronics
- Black Hills Corporation
- USD Sanford School of Medicine
2. South Dakota State University
Overview
Location: Brookings, South Dakota
Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a public research university and the largest institution in the state. SDSU is known for its agricultural programs, engineering, nursing, and pharmacy. The university is a land-grant institution, making it a hub for agricultural research and extension services, and it has a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #331-440 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 11,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Average SAT Score: 1040-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Jackrabbits Athletics
- Agricultural clubs
- Student government and leadership programs
- Greek life
- Hobo Day (homecoming event)
Famous Alumni
- Tom Daschle – Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader
- Kristi Noem – Governor of South Dakota
- Adam Vinatieri – NFL kicker
- Morrie Lanning – Former Minnesota State Representative
- Chad Greenway – NFL linebacker
Top Employers
- Daktronics
- South Dakota State University
- Sanford Health
- 3M
- Cargill
3. Augustana University
Overview
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Founded in 1860, Augustana University is a private liberal arts university with a strong focus on the humanities, natural sciences, and health sciences. Augustana is known for its small class sizes and personalized education, providing students with close faculty mentorship. It also has strong programs in nursing, biology, and business.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #10 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 2,100
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Average SAT Score: 1110-1300
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Vikings Athletics
- Choir and band ensembles
- Student government
- Performing arts and theater
- Volunteer and service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Mary Hart – TV personality (Entertainment Tonight)
- Billy Mills – Olympic gold medalist
- Ron Volesky – South Dakota politician and attorney
- Dan McCready – U.S. Congressional candidate
- Sigrid Nunez – Novelist and National Book Award winner
Top Employers
- Sanford Health
- Avera Health
- Wells Fargo
- Citibank
- Augustana University
4. Dakota State University
Overview
Location: Madison, South Dakota
Founded in 1881, Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university known for its focus on computer science, cybersecurity, and technology. DSU is recognized nationally for its cybersecurity programs, which are supported by partnerships with government agencies and tech companies. The university has a strong commitment to innovation in digital and information technology education.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #71 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 3,300
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Trojans Athletics
- Cybersecurity clubs
- Esports
- Student government
- Technology and robotics clubs
Famous Alumni
- Bill Janklow – Former Governor of South Dakota
- Steve Kolbeck – FCC member
- Randy Schaefer – South Dakota Board of Regents member
- Lance Russell – South Dakota State Senator
- David Zimbeck – Software developer and entrepreneur
Top Employers
- Microsoft
- Citibank
- Sanford Health
- Daktronics
- Dakota State University
5. Black Hills State University
Overview
Location: Spearfish, South Dakota
Founded in 1883, Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a public university known for its programs in education, business, and environmental sciences. Located near the Black Hills National Forest, BHSU provides students with unique opportunities for fieldwork in environmental science, and it has a strong tradition of teacher education.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #119 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 3,400
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Average SAT Score: 990-1190
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Yellow Jackets Athletics
- Outdoor adventure clubs
- Student government
- Sustainability and environmental organizations
- Performing arts and theater groups
Famous Alumni
- Tom Brokaw – Former NBC News anchor (attended briefly)
- Steve Cutler – Professional wrestler
- Michael W. Rounds – U.S. Senator
- Bev Warren – Former Kent State University president
- Dennis Daugaard – Former Governor of South Dakota
Top Employers
- Black Hills National Forest
- Sanford Health
- Black Hills Energy
- Regional Health
- Black Hills State University
6. Northern State University
Overview
Location: Aberdeen, South Dakota
Founded in 1901, Northern State University (NSU) is a public university known for its strong programs in business, education, and the arts. NSU is recognized for its affordable education and close-knit campus community. The university also offers numerous study abroad programs and internships, providing students with global opportunities.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #85 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 3,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Average SAT Score: 990-1220
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Wolves Athletics
- Student government
- International student organizations
- Performing arts and music groups
- Volunteer and service programs
Famous Alumni
- Gregory A. Johnson – NASA astronaut
- Harvey Dunn – Painter and illustrator
- Russell Means – Native American activist and actor
- Al Neuharth – Founder of USA Today
- John Hamre – Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense
Top Employers
- Avera Health
- Sanford Health
- Northern State University
- Wells Fargo
- Aberdeen Public Schools
7. Mount Marty University
Overview
Location: Yankton, South Dakota
Founded in 1936, Mount Marty University is a private Catholic university known for its programs in nursing, education, and the liberal arts. The university emphasizes faith-based education, service, and leadership development. Mount Marty has a strong reputation for preparing healthcare professionals and educators in South Dakota.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #37 Regional Colleges Midwest
- Number of Students: About 1,100
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1230
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Lancers Athletics
- Campus ministry and service organizations
- Nursing and healthcare clubs
- Student government
- Performing arts and music groups
Famous Alumni
- Marion Michael Rounds – U.S. Senator and former Governor of South Dakota
- Jim Abdnor – Former U.S. Senator
- Lynn Bodaken – Healthcare executive
- Raymond C. Dulany – Founder of Dulany Consulting
- Roger V. Tellinghuisen – South Dakota Supreme Court Justice
Top Employers
- Avera Health
- Sanford Health
- Mount Marty University
- Yankton Medical Clinic
- Good Samaritan Society
8. Dakota Wesleyan University
Overview
Location: Mitchell, South Dakota
Founded in 1885, Dakota Wesleyan University is a private Methodist university known for its strong liberal arts programs and its focus on service and leadership. The university offers strong programs in business, education, and nursing. Dakota Wesleyan emphasizes community service and ethical leadership, preparing students for careers in healthcare, education, and business.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #37 Regional Colleges Midwest
- Number of Students: About 900
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1010-1220
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Tigers Athletics
- Student government
- Volunteer and community service organizations
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
- Performing arts and theater groups
Famous Alumni
- George McGovern – Former U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential candidate
- Harvey L. Wollman – Former Governor of South Dakota
- Rodney “Rod” Hall – Business executive
- Paul Christen – Philanthropist and businessman
- Clifford Hansen – Former U.S. Senator
Top Employers
- Sanford Health
- Daktronics
- Avera Health
- Good Samaritan Society
- Dakota Wesleyan University
9. National American University
Overview
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
Founded in 1941, National American University (NAU) is a private university specializing in online and on-campus education in business, healthcare, and information technology. NAU is known for its flexible degree programs designed for working professionals and adult learners. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees with a strong focus on career readiness.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Online College)
- Number of Students: About 2,000
- Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Business and leadership clubs
- Healthcare and nursing clubs
- Online student government
- Career development programs
- Technology and innovation clubs
Famous Alumni
- Kevin Brady – U.S. Congressman
- Barbara Posthumus – CFO of Lake Washington School District
- Dennis Rounds – Healthcare consultant
- Curtis DeLoach – IT specialist
- Terry E. Brock – Motivational speaker
Top Employers
- Sanford Health
- Black Hills Corporation
- Avera Health
- NAU
- Citi
10. Presentation College
Overview
Location: Aberdeen, South Dakota
Founded in 1951, Presentation College is a private Catholic college known for its healthcare and nursing programs. The college has a strong emphasis on service, community engagement, and preparing students for careers in healthcare. Presentation College is a small institution that provides personalized education in a faith-based environment.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #41 Regional Colleges Midwest
- Number of Students: About 600
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Average SAT Score: 980-1180
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Saints Athletics
- Nursing and healthcare clubs
- Campus ministry and service organizations
- Student government
- Volunteer programs
Famous Alumni
- John Sahr – Healthcare executive
- Sheryl Sherman – CEO of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital
- Marlene Sherman – Educator and nurse
- Richard Schilling – Community health leader
- Michael Rhoades – Entrepreneur and philanthropist
Top Employers
- Avera Health
- Sanford Health
- Presentation College
- Good Samaritan Society
- Aberdeen Public Schools