by our College Data Analytics TeamIs USD worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
USD is ranked #1,684 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of B (above average for value). Within South Dakota, it ranks #11 of 18 for value.
These USD majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Clinical/Medical Social Work | #5 of 5 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #5 of 5 |
| Teacher Education | #8 of 104 |
| Hospital & Health Care Facilities Administration/Management | #14 of 25 |
| Healthcare Administration / Management | #14 of 25 |
| Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling | #14 of 20 |
| Mental & Social Health Services | #26 of 39 |
| Human Resources | #33 of 218 |
| Dental Support Services | #58 of 75 |
| Dental | #58 of 75 |
Below is the detailed USD value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
University of South Dakota is ranked #5 out of #19 in South Dakota for quality and #11 out of #18 for South Dakota value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the USD financial aid page to be sure.
University of South Dakota is ranked #1,684 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
University of South Dakota is priced competitively for the quality of education it provides, earning it a good value recognition from College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at USD costs about $21,061. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $84,244 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $24,485 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $19,858 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $21,061 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,244 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the USD net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a USD degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $97,940 | — | — |
| All Students | $84,244 | #1,684 | B |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $79,432 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $97,940 | — | — |
| All Students | $84,244 | #11 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $79,432 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at USD shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $13,687 |
| $30K–$48K | $16,400 |
| $48K–$75K | $18,608 |
| $75K–$110K | $21,259 |
| Over $110K | $21,432 |
About 74% of USD undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $6,716 per year. Get more details on the USD financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average USD cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.