Students at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology achieve some of the strongest earnings outcomes among public universities, with graduates consistently earning more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's specialized technical focus delivers exceptional return on investment that places it among the top tier nationally for long-term financial success.
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ranks among the top public institutions nationally for long-term earnings, placing in the 89th percentile for return on investment. This specialized engineering and technology university delivers some of the strongest financial outcomes in public higher education, with graduates earning a median of $72,257 ten years after enrollment and consistently outperforming earnings expectations by nearly $3,000 annually compared with similar students at other institutions.
As a focused technical institution, the school serves a more selective student population, with only 16% of students receiving Pell Grants and 18% being first-generation college students. However, those who do enroll benefit from the university's deep expertise in high-demand fields like mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and mining engineering, where graduates routinely secure well-paying positions in growing industries.
The university's specialized mission creates a unique value proposition: students receive intensive technical training in a small-college environment while achieving earnings outcomes that rival much larger research universities. For students committed to engineering and technology careers, this combination of focused academics and exceptional financial returns makes the South Dakota School of Mines a compelling choice among public technical institutions.
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology's program portfolio reflects its specialized mission, with virtually all degrees concentrated in engineering and technical fields that lead directly to high-paying careers. Mechanical Engineering dominates the institution with 99 graduates annually, combining substantial enrollment with strong median earnings of $67,789 to create the highest aggregate return among all programs. This scale allows the university to maintain deep industry relationships and comprehensive laboratory facilities that benefit all mechanical engineering students.
Civil Engineering represents the second-largest program with 49 graduates earning around $60,523, reflecting the steady demand for infrastructure professionals across the region and beyond. Mining and Mineral Engineering, while smaller with only 20 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $74,953, capitalizing on the specialized nature of the field and the university's unique expertise in extractive industries.
The concentrated program mix creates several advantages for students and employers. Rather than spreading resources across diverse academic areas, the university can invest deeply in engineering laboratories, industry partnerships, and faculty expertise that directly support technical education. This focused approach means every major connects to clear career pathways with strong earning potential, and the institution's reputation in engineering circles provides graduates with meaningful advantages in job placement and long-term career advancement.
Graduates of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology achieve exceptionally strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $72,257 ten years after enrollment placing the institution in the 89th percentile nationally. What makes these outcomes particularly impressive is that graduates earn nearly $3,000 more annually than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations. This earnings advantage reflects both the institution's specialized focus on high-demand technical fields and the strong employer relationships built over decades of producing skilled engineers and technologists.
The university's program portfolio drives these strong outcomes through concentrated expertise in engineering disciplines. Mechanical Engineering, the largest program with 99 graduates, delivers median earnings of $67,789 and represents the highest aggregate return among all majors. Civil Engineering graduates 49 students annually with earnings around $60,523, while Mining and Mineral Engineering produces the highest individual earnings at $74,953 for its 20 graduates. This focused approach means nearly every program connects directly to industries with strong hiring demand and competitive compensation.
The institution's technical specialization creates clear pathways to well-paying careers in engineering, mining, technology, and related fields. With 459 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the university demonstrates consistent success in preparing students for high-earning positions across multiple engineering disciplines and technical specialties.
Affordability at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology varies significantly by family income, with the institution offering reasonable costs for most students. Low-income families pay approximately $15,481 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $20,041, and higher-income families pay about $22,179. These net prices place the university near the national average for affordability, making it accessible to families across different income levels without creating excessive financial burden.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $27,000, which represents a reasonable investment given that median graduate earnings exceed $72,000 ten years after enrollment. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,000, a moderate level that reflects families' willingness to invest in technical education with proven returns. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates consistently manage their debt obligations successfully, supported by the strong job market for engineering and technical professionals.
What makes the financial picture particularly sustainable is the relationship between borrowing and earning potential. With graduates achieving median earnings well above $70,000, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building long-term financial security. The combination of moderate debt levels and high earnings creates a favorable debt-to-income ratio that supports both immediate financial stability and long-term wealth building for graduates.
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
