Best colleges for Biology in South Dakota
Ranked by graduate earnings
Black Hills State University, South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota are the top bachelor's Biology programs in South Dakota by graduate earnings. Black Hills State University leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $33,518, College Scorecard. South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota and Black Hills State University award the most Biology degrees in South Dakota: 87, 85 and 70 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 9 South Dakota colleges offer Biology and award 346 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Biology program, also known as Biology, General, is designed for students interested in the scientific study of life and living organisms. This broad natural science encompasses various fields, focusing on the structure, function,…
Top 4 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black Hills State University Spearfish Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,518 | 70 | 43% | — | $26,613 |
| 2 | South Dakota State University Brookings Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,940 | 87 | 62% | — | $27,000 |
| 3 | University of South Dakota Vermillion Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,167 | 85 | 60% | — | $23,250 |
| 4 | University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $46,229 | 13 | 63% | $19,439 | $25,196 |
Colleges awarding the most Biology degrees in South Dakota
Top 9 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota State University Brookings Public | 87 | $32,940 |
| 2 | University of South Dakota Vermillion Public | 85 | $30,167 |
| 3 | Black Hills State University Spearfish Public | 70 | $33,518 |
| 4 | Augustana University Sioux Falls Private not-for-profit | 55 | Not reported |
| 5 | Northern State University Aberdeen Public | 21 | Not reported |
| 6 | University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Private not-for-profit | 13 | $46,229 |
| 7 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City Public | 11 | Not reported |
| 8 | Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell Private not-for-profit | 2 | Not reported |
| 9 | Mount Marty University Yankton Private not-for-profit | 2 | Not reported |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Biological Technicians (SOC 19-4021).
Top skills
What Biological Technicians earn in South Dakota
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Biology programs in South Dakota.
Which South Dakota colleges award the most Biology degrees?+
South Dakota State University (87 graduates a year), University of South Dakota (85 graduates a year) and Black Hills State University (70 graduates a year) award the most Biology degrees in South Dakota, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 9 South Dakota colleges offer Biology.
What is the best college for Biology in South Dakota?+
By graduate earnings, Black Hills State University leads among bachelor's Biology programs in South Dakota, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $33,518, College Scorecard. South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota follow. By degrees awarded, South Dakota State University is the largest, with 87 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Biology program in South Dakota has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Black Hills State University tops the list at $33,518. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Biological Technicians earn in South Dakota?+
The average annual wage for Biological Technicians in South Dakota is $46,460 (median $41,300), across about 230 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Biology program?+
The Biology program, also known as Biology, General, is designed for students interested in the scientific study of life and living organisms. This broad natural science encompasses various fields, focusing on the structure, function,…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop reading comprehension, critical thinking, science, active listening, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Biological Technicians?+
The national job outlook is about +3.5% growth with around 9,100 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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