Head-to-head · 2026
South Dakota State University vs Southeast Technical College
Compare average net price ($19,841 at South Dakota State University; $17,400 at Southeast Technical College), ROI score (6.94 vs 6.71), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($55,070 vs $46,709), and admissions context (98.3% at South Dakota State University; Open / not reported at Southeast Technical College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | South Dakota State University | Southeast Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.94 ✓ | 6.71 |
| Avg net price | $19,841 | $17,400 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $79,364 | $69,600 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $9,299 | $7,650 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,809 | $7,650 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $55,070 ✓ | $46,709 |
| Acceptance rate | 98.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 62.4% ✓ | 58.8% |
| Retention rate | 83.8% ✓ | 69.8% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,198 | 2,310 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1120 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | South Dakota State University | Southeast Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $14,266 ✓ | $14,418 |
| Family income $30–48k | $15,248 | $15,221 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $18,073 | $17,079 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $20,706 | $19,425 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $21,886 | $20,254 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | South Dakota State University | Southeast Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 15.4% | 5.9% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | 0.7% | 6.4% |
| Public Health | 1% | 3.1% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | 2.5% | 1.2% |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | 1% | 1.8% |
| Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services | 0.1% | 2.1% |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | 0.2% | 1.9% |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 0.6% | 1.2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Southeast Technical College reports the lower average net price by $2,441 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $9,764 difference over four years ($69,600 vs $79,364).
South Dakota State University reports $8,361 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($55,070 vs $46,709). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 83.8% at South Dakota State University and 69.8% at Southeast Technical College. Median federal debt among completers is $23,250 vs $12,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
South Dakota State University vs Southeast Technical College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southeast Technical College is cheaper — average net price $17,400 per year vs $19,841 at South Dakota State University. The annual difference of $2,441 adds up to about $9,764 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
South Dakota State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $55,070 vs $46,709 at Southeast Technical College. The gap in the federal data is $8,361. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.