Despite a high sticker price, this school is affordable for many families due to generous need-based aid.
Cost Calculator
What You'll Pay at University Of South Dakota
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
The Cost Formula
Tuition
$13K
+
Room
$10K
+
Books
$1,000
=
Sticker Price
$24,422
$13K+$10K+$1,000=$24,422
Your Family Income
Sticker
$24,422
−
Your Aid
$5,882
=
Net Price
$18,540
All Income Levels
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
University Of South Dakota Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Summary
Cost Category
Amount
Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price)
$24,422
Tuition and Fees
$12,942
Room and Board
$10,356
Books and Supplies
$1,000
Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships)
-$4,564
Average Net Price (What Families Pay)
$19,858
University Of South Dakota Net Price by Family Income Level
Family Income
Net Price
$0–30k
$14,921
$30–48k
$15,942
$48–75k
$18,540
$75–110k
$21,202
$110k+
$22,193
Understanding Your Aid Package
University Of South Dakota has a sticker price of $24,422 per year, but most students pay significantly less after financial aid. The actual cost depends heavily on your family's income level.
Key Facts
Sticker price: $24,422/year
Average aid: $4,564 in grants & scholarships
$48–75K families pay: ~$18,540/year
Low-income families: Pay ~$14,921/year
19% of students receive Pell Grants
Financial Aid Profile
💰
19%
Pell Grant Recipients
Lower-income students receiving federal aid
🎓
24%
First-Generation Students
Parents without bachelor's degree
Get personalized cost estimates and assess whether borrowing makes sense.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Typical Debt
Median Student Debt$23,592
Range (25th–75th)$6,379 – $27,000
Median Parent PLUS Loans$15,000
Debt Manageability
0.38x
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
3-Year Default Rate0.0%
Return on Investment
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Median Earnings (10yr)
$51,926
Earnings Growth
+12%
6 → 10 years post-graduation
Value Added
+$7,127
81th percentile among peers
Earnings Range (10yr post-graduation)
$37,336
25th %ile
$70,894
75th %ile
Frequently Asked Questions about University Of South Dakota Cost & Financial Aid
University Of South Dakota's published tuition is $24,422 per year. However, after financial aid, the average student pays $18,540—a difference of $5,882.
Families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $14,921 at University Of South Dakota. 19% of students receive Pell Grants.
University Of South Dakota offers merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, in addition to need-based financial aid. Contact the financial aid office for specific scholarship opportunities.
The median debt for University graduates is $23,592, resulting in estimated monthly payments of $250 over 10 years.
Even families earning over $110,000 pay an average net price of $22,193 at University—still $2,229 less than the sticker price. Most families qualify for some form of aid.
