Mahadev Maitri Foundation

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in South Dakota

11 accredited institutions in South Dakota offering liberal arts programs, ranked by annual graduates (IPEDS 2023–24).

11

Colleges

573

Graduates/yr

8

Public

Associate's

Top Degree

Ranked: Liberal Arts Programs in South Dakota

PublicAssociate's

South Dakota State University

In-State Tuition

PublicBachelor's

University of South Dakota

In-State Tuition

PublicBachelor's

Dakota State University

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Black Hills State University

In-State Tuition

PublicBachelor's

Northern State University

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Sisseton Wahpeton College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Sinte Gleska University

In-State Tuition

Private NonprofitBachelor's

Augustana University

Net Price <$30K

PublicAssociate's

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

In-State Tuition

Private NonprofitAssociate's

Dakota Wesleyan University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitBachelor's

University of Sioux Falls

Net Price <$30K

Studying Liberal Arts in South Dakota

South Dakota has 11 accredited colleges offering liberal arts programs, producing 573 graduates annually. Of these, 8 are public institutions with subsidized in-state tuition for South Dakota residents.

When evaluating programs, consider accreditation, internship placement rates, and faculty expertise. Always file the FAFSA — the net price after grants can be dramatically lower than sticker tuition, especially at public institutions.

← All colleges in South Dakota ← All states

Data source: Graduate counts from IPEDS 2023–24 C2023_A Completions survey (NCES). Tuition, acceptance rate, and graduation rate from IPEDS HD2023, ADM2023, DRVGR2023.