2027 Best Value Elementary Education Schools in South Dakota

1

Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD

Leading the list is Northern State University, our #1 best value for elementary education in South Dakota. Set in the town of Aberdeen, Northern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $24,242. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Northern State University generally make around $46,042. Set against $24,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

2

Oglala Lakota College
Kyle, SD

Oglala Lakota College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in elementary education, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Kyle, Oglala Lakota College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,684. Median earnings reach $22,517 ten years out.

3

Sinte Gleska University
Mission, SD

Sinte Gleska University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in elementary education, landing the #3 spot this year. Sinte Gleska University is a small public school located in the rural area of Mission. In-state tuition and fees average $4,714. Median earnings reach $20,948 ten years out.

4

Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD

Black Hills State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value elementary education schools. Located in the town of Spearfish, Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,916, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $26,312 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Black Hills State University generally make around $51,049. That is a strong return on a $26,312 median debt. Black Hills State University admits about 96% of applicants.

5

Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, SD

Students looking for strong value in elementary education will find it at Dakota Wesleyan University, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Mitchell, Dakota Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,790. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Dakota Wesleyan University generally make around $71,856. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dakota Wesleyan University admits about 73% of applicants.

6

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value elementary education schools. Located in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,937 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $43,530 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,937 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota came in at #7 for value in elementary education this year. University Of South Dakota is a large public school located in the town of Vermillion. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $27,000. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $46,542. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants.

8

Dakota State University
Madison, SD

Dakota State University placed #8 among the best values for elementary education. Located in the town of Madison, Dakota State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,654 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,756. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $26,600 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Dakota State University generally make around $46,627. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD

University Of Sioux Falls ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value elementary education schools. University Of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Sioux Falls. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,750. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $40,171. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.

10

Mount Marty College
Yankton, SD

Mount Marty College placed #10 among the best values for elementary education. Located in the town of Yankton, Mount Marty College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,600. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $27,000. Elementary Education graduates of Mount Marty College earn a median of $45,760 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

11

Augustana College South Dakota
Sioux Falls, SD

Augustana College South Dakota placed #11 among the best values for elementary education. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $44,290. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Augustana College South Dakota admits about 68% of applicants.