Students at the University of Sioux Falls achieve above-average long-term earnings while maintaining excellent debt management, with zero graduates defaulting on federal loans.
The combination of solid career outcomes and exceptional loan repayment performance creates a sustainable path to professional success.
The University of Sioux Falls is a small private nonprofit institution that delivers above-average long-term earnings outcomes for its graduates. With median 10-year earnings of $54,521, the university places in the 66th percentile nationally for return on investment, demonstrating solid financial outcomes despite its modest size. Nearly 29% of students receive Pell Grants and about 25% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse student populations.
What distinguishes the University of Sioux Falls is its focused approach to career preparation, particularly in nursing and business fields. The university's Adult Health Nursing program stands out as both the highest-earning and most successful program by aggregate return, with graduates earning a median of $58,173 ten years after graduation. Business Administration, the largest program with 56 graduates, provides a solid foundation for professional careers with median earnings of $36,221.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, the University of Sioux Falls combines moderate access with steady outcomes, creating pathways for students from various backgrounds to achieve career success. The university's small size allows for personalized attention and support, while its strong performance in loan repayment—with 82% of borrowers successfully repaying their loans—demonstrates the sustainability of its educational investment for most graduates.
The University of Sioux Falls has developed particular strength in healthcare and business education, with programs that consistently deliver strong career outcomes for graduates. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the university's most successful program by total economic impact and highest individual earnings, with 70 graduates earning a median of $58,173 ten years after graduation. This program generates over $4 million in aggregate economic return, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare nurses for high-demand, well-compensated positions in healthcare.
Business Administration and Management serves as the university's largest program with 56 graduates, providing broad professional preparation that leads to median earnings of $36,221. While these earnings are more modest than nursing outcomes, the program's size and consistent placement demonstrate the university's commitment to serving students interested in business careers. Adult and Continuing Education, with 30 graduates earning $37,208, reflects the university's mission to serve working professionals and non-traditional students seeking career advancement.
The concentrated program portfolio allows the University of Sioux Falls to develop deep industry relationships and provide focused career preparation. Rather than spreading resources across dozens of majors, the university has chosen to excel in key areas where South Dakota's economy offers strong employment opportunities. This strategic focus, particularly in healthcare where demand continues to grow, helps explain why graduates achieve above-average earnings despite the university's small size and regional location.
Graduates of the University of Sioux Falls achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $54,521 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 66th percentile nationally for return on investment. The university shows modest earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $522 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This performance reflects the university's strength in preparing students for stable, well-paying careers, particularly in healthcare and business sectors.
The university's program portfolio drives these outcomes through focused career preparation. Adult Health Nursing leads both in earnings and aggregate return, with 70 graduates earning a median of $58,173 and generating over $4 million in total economic impact. Business Administration and Management, the largest program with 56 graduates, provides solid professional preparation with median earnings of $36,221. Adult and Continuing Education rounds out the top programs with 30 graduates earning $37,208, demonstrating the university's commitment to serving working professionals and non-traditional students.
The university's small size and focused program mix create consistent pathways to career success. With 283 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the University of Sioux Falls demonstrates that a smaller institution can deliver meaningful economic outcomes. The concentrated approach allows for deeper industry connections and more personalized career preparation, particularly benefiting students in nursing and business fields where professional networks and hands-on experience are crucial for long-term success.
The University of Sioux Falls maintains relatively consistent and manageable pricing across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay an average net price of $17,733 annually, while middle-income families see costs of $18,201, and high-income families pay $23,609. This pricing structure, with only modest variation across income bands, reflects the university's commitment to keeping education accessible while maintaining quality programming.
The university's affordability story is strengthened by manageable debt levels and strong repayment outcomes. Typical graduates leave with $23,249 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable amount given the median earnings of $54,521 ten years after graduation. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,433, indicating that many families can manage costs through a combination of aid, savings, and modest borrowing. Most importantly, the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, demonstrating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes the University of Sioux Falls particularly sustainable financially is the strong loan repayment performance among graduates. With 82% of borrowers successfully repaying their loans and rapid early payoff rates that place the university in the top 10% nationally for balance reduction, students can feel confident that their investment will be manageable. The combination of reasonable debt levels, solid earnings, and excellent repayment outcomes creates a sustainable financial model for most families.
University Of Sioux Falls Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
