11 Best Universities In South Dakota For International Students 2025

South Dakota is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 11 universities and colleges in South Dakota, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 11 universities in South Dakota, South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota are the top-performing schools in South Dakota. This list covers both public and private institutions in South Dakota.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in South Dakota. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in South Dakota.

How do I get admission to the best universities in South Dakota?

Applying to the universities in South Dakota involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in South Dakota to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in South Dakota?

Tuition fees at South Dakota’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 10,800 USD to 36,400 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 5,100 USD to 25,600 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in South Dakota!

As we cover the best universities in South Dakota for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in South Dakota for International Students

South Dakota State University offers a wide variety of programs with more than 130 bachelor’s and master’s degrees across its 9 colleges and schools. The university is known for its outstanding work in research, especially in the fields of agriculture and engineering. In fact, the university has 8 research centers, multiple laboratories, and a scholarship program designed to promote the development of research projects. It also has other modern facilities that include two museums, botanical gardens, and a multicultural center.

The University of South Dakota is a top-ranked university when it comes to law and medicine. It provides deep supervision and is equipped with skilled instructors. At the University of South Dakota, you will enjoy a welcoming community with countless opportunities to embrace.

Dakota State University was founded in 1881 with the initial intention of training future educators in South Dakota. In 1984, the university included technology among its focus areas and continued to add more programs over the years. At present, the university offers numerous programs in different areas of technology, education, health studies, communication, mathematics, and business.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, more commonly known as South Dakota Mines, was established in 1885. This public institution provides top-quality education in science and engineering. These interdisciplinary programs are lectured by experts and highly qualified educators in small classes. Moreover, the institution aims to develop global innovators and professionals that would significantly contribute to various local and international sectors.

Augustana University is religiously affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It has the same founding year as its sister school: Augustana College in Illinois. More than 70 undergrad and grad programs are offered annually. These programs have an average student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 or 21 students per class.

Northern State University is among the leading institutions in the US midwest. Various programs are available, although the selection for graduate courses is limited compared to the undergrad programs. They also offer an online setup for certain programs. Student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.

Black Hills State University is a university in Spearfish, South Dakota with a vision and mission of creating student leaders and volunteers that strive for excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Founded in 1883, the university has continued to excel in both fields of academics and sports with NCAA Division II and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference teams, as well as 65 undergraduate and master’s degree programs. In their service of education for more than 100 years, Black Hills State University continues to grow in population and extent of influence.

The University of Sioux Falls is a university that trains students to become professional graduates with compassionate attributes. The university helps students grow intellectually, determine truth, and develop a Christian worldview through humanities and sciences programs. As a Christian institution, USF fosters in all members of its community the development of emotional maturity, physical well-being, interpersonal skills, and values reflecting Christ’s qualities and teaching.

National American University is an online university that provides affordable education in various disciplines. The university aims to train and inspire students all over the world by allowing them to explore and magnify their capabilities. It hopes to continue its operations in the coming years and to integrate more programs into its curriculum.

Dakota Wesleyan University was founded in 1885, with a current student population of 948. All of their students studying on the campus receive financial aid, with other various quality of life services. These services come in various forms such as community service projects, student organizations, and sports teams for students to join. Multiple facilities are also present like laboratories, libraries, museums, five residence halls, several education departments, science establishments, and sports buildings.

Mount Marty University is a private Catholic university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Founded in 1936, it now has two campuses located in Yankton and Sioux Falls which are home to over 1000 students. The university aims to develop well-rounded students who are passionate about serving others and are dedicated to lifelong learning.