University of Sioux Falls vs University of South Dakota
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, SD | University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Break-even | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | +53% | +98% |
| 10-year net gain | $49,356 | $85,821 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $59,336 | $62,385 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $44,301 | $47,584 |
| Average net price | $21,383 | $19,858 |
| Median debt | $23,249 | $23,592 |
| Break-even | 6.6 yrs | 5.1 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 63% | 60% |
| Admission rate | 83% | 99% |
University of Sioux Falls
Break-even
+$49,356 over 10 years
The payoff is roughly break-even — the degree recovers its cost, but slowly.
University of South Dakota
Strong return
+$85,821 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.