Students from low-income backgrounds at the University of South Dakota achieve earnings that rank in the top 20% nationally, demonstrating the institution's ability to create meaningful economic mobility.
The university's focus on health sciences and professional programs provides clear pathways to stable, middle-class careers for graduates across income levels.
The University of South Dakota offers a focused academic experience that consistently delivers solid long-term value for graduates. As a mid-sized public university in Vermillion, USD has built particular strength in health sciences, with nursing and allied health programs that anchor much of the institution's economic impact. The university serves a selective student population while maintaining reasonable affordability across income levels.
USD graduates earn a median of $51,926 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the 59th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. What makes USD distinctive is its concentration in health-related fields, where career stability and earning potential remain strong over time. The university's nursing program alone graduates 238 students annually with median earnings of $57,693, creating substantial aggregate economic value.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, USD demonstrates the ability to produce strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains more limited than at typical public universities. The combination of focused program strength, manageable costs, and solid career preparation makes USD a reliable choice for students who know they want to pursue health sciences or related professional fields in the upper Midwest.
The University of South Dakota's program portfolio centers on health sciences and professional preparation, creating clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and economic impact, graduating 238 students annually with median earnings of $57,693 and generating nearly $14 million in aggregate economic value. This program alone accounts for much of USD's reputation for producing graduates who enter secure, licensed professions with predictable career advancement.
Dental Assisting represents USD's highest-earning program on a per-graduate basis, with 32 students earning a median of $54,252 early in their careers. Health Services programs enroll 97 students with more moderate earnings around $34,660, providing broader access to healthcare-adjacent fields. Even Biology, which shows lower initial earnings at $25,967 for 72 graduates, serves as a foundation for pre-professional tracks leading to medical, dental, and veterinary schools.
This concentration in health-related fields reflects USD's strategic positioning as a regional provider of healthcare professionals. The university's programs align closely with workforce needs in South Dakota and surrounding states, where healthcare employment remains stable and compensation competitive. While USD may not offer the breadth of high-earning programs found at larger research universities, its focused approach ensures that most graduates enter fields with clear licensing requirements, professional standards, and predictable career trajectories.
University of South Dakota graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $51,926 ten years after enrollment. This performance places USD around the national average for public universities, reflecting the institution's focus on stable, professional career paths rather than high-risk, high-reward fields. The university's strength lies in producing graduates who enter predictable career trajectories with steady earning potential over time.
The institution's return story centers heavily on health sciences programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as USD's highest aggregate-return major, graduating 238 students annually with median earnings of $57,693 and creating nearly $14 million in total economic value. Dental Assisting produces some of the highest individual earnings at $54,252 for 32 graduates, while Health Services programs enroll 97 students with more moderate earnings around $34,660. Even Biology, which shows lower initial earnings at $25,967, provides a foundation for graduate school and professional programs that can lead to stronger long-term outcomes.
USD's program portfolio reflects a practical, career-focused approach that prioritizes job security and professional licensure over speculative high-earning fields. This strategy produces graduates who may not reach the highest earnings peaks but benefit from stable employment in essential sectors like healthcare, where demand remains consistently strong across economic cycles.
The University of South Dakota maintains predictable and reasonable pricing across income levels. Low-income students pay about $13,687 annually, which sits near the national average for public universities, while middle-income families see costs around $18,608 per year. Even high-income families pay a manageable $21,432, reflecting USD's commitment to keeping education accessible without dramatic price increases across income bands.
Debt levels remain moderate and sustainable for most USD graduates. Typical students leave with about $23,592 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's median earnings of nearly $52,000 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,000, indicating that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through savings, work, and grants rather than relying heavily on parent loans. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes USD particularly sustainable financially is the alignment between borrowing levels and career outcomes. With most graduates entering stable professional fields, especially in healthcare, the debt-to-income ratios remain comfortable for standard 10-year repayment. The university's focus on practical, licensure-based programs means graduates typically find employment quickly after graduation, reducing the risk of extended unemployment that can make loan repayment challenging.
University Of South Dakota Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
