2027 Best Value Exercise Science Schools in South Dakota

[Exercise Science](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/exercise-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for exercise science students.
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2027 Best Value Exercise Science Schools in South Dakota
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in exercise science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Exercise Science Schools
For return on investment in exercise science, no school beat South Dakota State University this year. South Dakota State University is a large public school located in the town of Brookings. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the exercise science program here. Exercise Science graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $41,595 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants.
University Of South Dakota came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value exercise science schools. Located in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for exercise science graduates is $26,322. Soon after graduation, exercise science degree recipients from University Of South Dakota generally make around $51,566. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in exercise science will find it at Dakota State University, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Madison, Dakota State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $12,756. Students borrow a median of $28,724 to complete the exercise science program here. Exercise Science graduates of Dakota State University earn a median of $51,970 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dakota State University admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of Sioux Falls is a great value for students pursuing a degree in exercise science, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Sioux Falls. In-state tuition and fees average $21,750. Exercise Science graduates carry a median of $24,146 in student loans. Soon after graduation, exercise science degree recipients from University Of Sioux Falls generally make around $34,839. Set against $24,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Augustana College South Dakota earned it the #5 place for exercise science. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,160. Exercise Science graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, exercise science degree recipients from Augustana College South Dakota generally make around $50,088. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.