Head-to-head · 2026
South Dakota State University vs University of Sioux Falls
Compare average net price ($19,841 at South Dakota State University; $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls), ROI score (6.94 vs 6.37), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($55,070 vs $54,521), and admissions selectivity (98.3% acceptance at South Dakota State University; 82.9% at University of Sioux Falls) 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 | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.94 ✓ | 6.37 |
| Avg net price | $19,841 ✓ | $21,383 |
| 4-year avg net price | $79,364 ✓ | $85,532 |
| In-state tuition | $9,299 | $21,750 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,809 | $21,750 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $55,070 ✓ | $54,521 |
| Acceptance rate | 98.3% | 82.9% |
| Graduation rate | 62.4% | 62.9% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 83.8% ✓ | 74.5% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $23,249 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,198 | 1,218 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| 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 | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $14,266 ✓ | $18,145 |
| Family income $30–48k | $15,248 ✓ | $17,804 |
| Family income $48–75k | $18,073 | $17,992 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $20,706 ✓ | $21,375 |
| Family income $110k+ | $21,886 ✓ | $24,038 |
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 | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 15.4% | 12.5% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 0.8% | 20.9% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 2.2% | 8.8% |
| Psychology, General | 2.7% | 8.1% |
| Biology, General | 3.8% | 2.5% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 0.2% | 6.1% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 2.4% | 3.7% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 1.9% | 4.1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
South Dakota State University reports the lower average net price by $1,542 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $6,168 difference over four years ($79,364 vs $85,532).
South Dakota State University reports $549 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($55,070 vs $54,521). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 83.8% at South Dakota State University and 74.5% at University of Sioux Falls. Median federal debt among completers is $23,250 vs $23,249, 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 University of Sioux Falls, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
South Dakota State University is cheaper — average net price $19,841 per year vs $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls. The annual difference of $1,542 adds up to about $6,168 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 $54,521 at University of Sioux Falls. The gap in the federal data is $549. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Sioux Falls is more selective at 82.9% acceptance vs 98.3% at South Dakota State University.
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.