11 Cheapest Universities in South Dakota for International Students

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In South Dakota, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in South Dakota, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 11 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in South Dakota, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in South Dakota for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in South Dakota ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Dakota State University 8,822 USD - 11,100 USD 56%
Northern State University 8,822 USD - 11,100 USD 56%
Black Hills State University 12,300 USD 39%
South Dakota State University 13,200 USD 34%
University of South Dakota 13,300 USD 33%
National American University 13,700 USD - 17,100 USD 31%
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 17,400 USD 12%
University of Sioux Falls 24,000 USD -21%
Dakota Wesleyan University 32,500 USD -64%
Mount Marty University 32,700 USD -65%
Augustana University 40,700 USD -106%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 19,800 USD for universities in South Dakota.

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1. Dakota State University

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.

2. Northern State University

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.

3. Black Hills State University

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.

4. South Dakota State University

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.

5. University of South Dakota

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.

6. National American University

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.

7. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

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.

8. University of Sioux Falls

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.

9. Dakota Wesleyan University

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.

10. Mount Marty University

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.

11. Augustana University

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in South Dakota for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in South Dakota ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Mount Marty University 4,500 USD - 17,700 USD 54%
Dakota Wesleyan University 4,800 USD - 7,650 USD 51%
University of Sioux Falls 5,400 USD - 8,100 USD 45%
Augustana University 5,880 USD - 39,800 USD 40%
Dakota State University 7,682 USD - 11,600 USD 22%
Northern State University 7,682 USD - 11,600 USD 22%
Black Hills State University 8,748 USD - 12,400 USD 11%
South Dakota State University 13,000 USD -32%
University of South Dakota 13,200 USD -34%
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 15,800 USD -61%
National American University 21,000 USD -114%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 9,782 USD for universities in South Dakota.

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1. Mount Marty University

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Mount Marty University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,500 USD to 17,640 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Dakota Wesleyan University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Dakota Wesleyan University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Dakota Wesleyan University is 4,800 USD to 7,650 USD.

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.

3. University of Sioux Falls

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.

The tuition fee at University of Sioux Falls for incoming international master’s students is 5,400 USD to 8,100 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Augustana University

Another affordable university to consider in South Dakota is Augustana University.

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.

The tuition fee in Augustana University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 5,880 USD.

5. Dakota State University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Dakota State University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 7,682 USD yearly.

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.

6. Northern State University

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.

7. Black Hills State University

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.

8. South Dakota State University

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.

9. University of South Dakota

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.

10. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

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.

11. National American University

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in South Dakota?

Applying to cheap universities in South Dakota requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in South Dakota?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in South Dakota. For example, one of the best affordable schools in South Dakota is the Augustana University, which offers Accounting, Biochemistry, and Chemical Physics to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Augustana University offers Sports Administration and Leadership, Business Administration, and Education.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in South Dakota, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in South Dakota as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in South Dakota for international students was helpful!