Vermillion, SD · Private University
Is University of South Dakota Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$51,926
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,432
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,942
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$51,768
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.01x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.1 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
61.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,592
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$19,155
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of South Dakota graduates earn $6,926 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of South Dakota ranked by graduate earnings
343 graduates
18 graduates
32 graduates
51 graduates
56 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of South Dakota
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of South Dakota, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $67,147) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $32,441) is $34,706/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $67,147 | 5.2x |
| Economics | $62,502 | 4.8x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $58,166 | 4.5x |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $54,943 | 4.3x |
| Biology, General | $54,135 | 4.2x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,798 | 4.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $49,319 | 3.8x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $48,244 | 3.7x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,981 | 3.7x |
| Psychology, General | $47,040 | 3.6x |
| Marketing | $46,630 | 3.6x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $45,965 | 3.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $44,606 | 3.5x |
| Political Science and Government | $44,330 | 3.4x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $43,948 | 3.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,250 | 3.2x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $39,798 | 3.1x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $38,188 | 3.0x |
| History | $37,211 | 2.9x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities(1yr data) | $35,907 | 2.8x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $35,154 | 2.7x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $32,441 | 2.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of South Dakota stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $51,926 10 years after starting, $6,926 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.1 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.