Best colleges for Liberal Arts and Sciences in South Dakota
Ranked by graduate earnings
Dakota State University, University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University are the top Liberal Arts and Sciences programs in South Dakota by graduate earnings. Dakota State University leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $41,119, College Scorecard. South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota and Black Hills State University award the most Liberal Arts and Sciences degrees and certificates in South Dakota: 95, 51 and 34 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 10 South Dakota colleges offer Liberal Arts and Sciences and award 264 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Liberal Arts and Sciences program, formally known as Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, offers a broad educational foundation in various disciplines. This program is designed for students seeking a well-rounded…
Top 3 institutions, 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 | Dakota State University Madison Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,119 | 30 | 51% | — | $37,250 |
| 2 | University of South Dakota Vermillion Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,907 | 51 | 60% | — | $30,092 |
| 3 | South Dakota State University Brookings Public · Associate degree | $20,704 | 95 | 62% | — | $12,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Liberal Arts and Sciences degrees in South Dakota
Top 8 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). 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 | 95 | $20,704 |
| 2 | University of South Dakota Vermillion Public | 51 | $35,907 |
| 3 | Black Hills State University Spearfish Public | 34 | Not reported |
| 4 | Dakota State University Madison Public | 30 | $41,119 |
| 5 | Northern State University Aberdeen Public | 29 | Not reported |
| 6 | University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Private not-for-profit | 7 | Not reported |
| 7 | Augustana University Sioux Falls Private not-for-profit | 4 | Not reported |
| 8 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City Public | 3 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 2 South Dakota colleges offering Liberal Arts and Sciences
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinte Gleska University | Mission | Public | 8 |
| Sisseton Wahpeton College | Sisseton | Public | 3 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Postsecondary Teachers, All Other (SOC 25-1199).
What Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn in South Dakota
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Liberal Arts and Sciences programs in South Dakota.
Which South Dakota colleges award the most Liberal Arts and Sciences degrees?+
South Dakota State University (95 graduates a year), University of South Dakota (51 graduates a year) and Black Hills State University (34 graduates a year) award the most Liberal Arts and Sciences degrees and certificates in South Dakota, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 10 South Dakota colleges offer Liberal Arts and Sciences.
What is the best college for Liberal Arts and Sciences in South Dakota?+
By graduate earnings, Dakota State University leads among Liberal Arts and Sciences programs in South Dakota, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $41,119, College Scorecard. University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University follow. By degrees awarded, South Dakota State University is the largest, with 95 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Liberal Arts and Sciences program in South Dakota has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Dakota State University tops the list at $41,119. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
What is the focus of the Liberal Arts and Sciences program?+
The Liberal Arts and Sciences program, formally known as Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, offers a broad educational foundation in various disciplines. This program is designed for students seeking a well-rounded…
What is the job outlook for Postsecondary Teachers, All Other?+
The national job outlook is about +1.8% growth with around 13,500 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Doctoral or professional 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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