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2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota

25 Schools Ranked
$43,074 Average Earnings
$24,172 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Trade College Search has created the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 25 schools in South Dakota to see which ones were the most popular programs for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Lake Area Technical Institute

Watertown, South Dakota
793 Total Awards
$36,525 Average Earnings
$13,201 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Lake Area Technical Institute to be the most popular school for trade school students in South Dakota. Lake Area Technical Institute is a small public school located in Watertown, South Dakota that handed out 793 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from LATI accumulate an average of $13,201 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from LATI, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,525 during the early years of their career. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

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#2

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
797 Total Awards
$39,912 Average Earnings
$15,006 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Southeast Technical College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota list. Southeast Technical College is a small public school located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota that handed out 797 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,006 in student loans.After graduating from Southeast Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,912 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Full Southeast Technical College Report

#3

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, South Dakota
464 Total Awards
$40,678 Average Earnings
$12,522 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Mitchell Technical College is a great place for trade school students. Mitchell Tech is located in Mitchell, South Dakota and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 464 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,522 in student loans.After graduating from Mitchell Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,678 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 33% were women.

Read full report on Mitchell Technical College

#4

Western Dakota Technical Institute

Rapid City, South Dakota
377 Total Awards
$37,539 Average Earnings
$15,628 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Western Dakota Technical Institute helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in South Dakota. Located in Rapid City, South Dakota, the small public school handed out 377 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,628 in student loans.After graduating from Western Dakota Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,539 during the early years of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Western Dakota Technical Institute

#5

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota
2,132 Total Awards
$48,161 Average Earnings
$29,872 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of South Dakota. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota list. University of South Dakota is a medium-sized public school located in Vermillion, South Dakota that handed out 2,132 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,872 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $171. During the early years of their career, USD graduates make an average of $48,161 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of South Dakota

#6

National American University - Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota
332 Total Awards
$42,187 Average Earnings
$27,065 Avg Student Debt

National American University - Rapid City did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #6 on the list. Rapid City, South Dakota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 332 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,065 in student loans. During the early years of their career, National American University - Rapid City graduates make an average of $42,187 annually. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

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#7

Stewart School

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
93 Total Awards
$21,923 Average Earnings
$6,982 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Stewart School did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the very small private for-profit school handed out 93 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $6,982 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Stewart School graduates make an average of $21,923 annually. Around 99% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Stewart School

#8

South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota
2,703 Total Awards
$45,741 Average Earnings
$27,285 Avg Student Debt

South Dakota State University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota list. South Dakota State is a fairly large public school situated in Brookings, South Dakota. It awarded 2,703 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from South Dakota State accumulate an average of $27,285 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $210, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, South Dakota State graduates make an average of $45,741 annually. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full South Dakota State University Report

#9

Black Hills Beauty College

Rapid City, South Dakota
40 Total Awards
$21,146 Average Earnings

With a ranking of #9, Black Hills Beauty College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Rapid City, South Dakota is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 40 students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Black Hills Beauty College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $21,146 during the early years of their career. Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

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#10

Headlines Academy Inc

Rapid City, South Dakota
73 Total Awards
$14,756 Average Earnings
$8,448 Avg Student Debt

Headlines Academy Inc ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota list. This very small private for-profit school is located in Rapid City, South Dakota, and it awarded 73 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,448 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Headlines Academy Inc graduates make an average of $14,756 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

Full Headlines Academy Inc Report

#11

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota
583 Total Awards
$49,355 Average Earnings
$23,088 Avg Student Debt

Dakota State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #11 on the list. Located in Madison, South Dakota, the small public school awarded 583 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Dakota State accumulate an average of $23,088 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $180, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Dakota State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,355 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 32% were women.

Full Dakota State University Report

#11

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
586 Total Awards
$40,299 Average Earnings
$22,340 Avg Student Debt

University of Sioux Falls did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #11 on the list. University of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit school located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota that handed out 586 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $22,340 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from University of Sioux Falls, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,299 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Full University of Sioux Falls Report

#13

Sanford Medical Center

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
14 Total Awards

Sanford Medical Center landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Sioux Falls, South Dakota is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 14 students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read full report on Sanford Medical Center

12 Total Awards

Avera McKennan Hospital School of Radiologic Technology came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota ranking. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 12 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

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#15

Presentation College

Aberdeen, South Dakota
153 Total Awards
$51,279 Average Earnings
$27,837 Avg Student Debt

Presentation College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota list. Presentation College is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Aberdeen, South Dakota that handed out 153 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Presentation College accumulate an average of $27,837 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Presentation College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,279 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

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#16

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital

Yankton, South Dakota
6 Total Awards

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Avera Sacred Heart Hospital is a private not-for-profit institution located in Yankton, South Dakota. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 6 degrees in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

Full Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Report

#16

Oglala Lakota College

Kyle, South Dakota
165 Total Awards
$42,569 Average Earnings

Oglala Lakota College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota list. Located in Kyle, South Dakota, the small public school awarded 165 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Oglala Lakota College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,569 during the early years of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Oglala Lakota College Report

#18

Sisseton Wahpeton College

Sisseton, South Dakota
18 Total Awards

Sisseton Wahpeton College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #18 on the list. Sisseton, South Dakota is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 18 students in 2021-2022.

Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

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#19

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rapid City, South Dakota
545 Total Awards
$64,929 Average Earnings
$23,164 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. SD Mines is a public institution located in Rapid City, South Dakota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 545 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from SD Mines accumulate an average of $23,164 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $306, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from SD Mines, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $64,929 during the early years of their career. Around 26% of those degree recipients were women.

Full South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Report

#19

Mount Marty University

Yankton, South Dakota
198 Total Awards
$80,285 Average Earnings
$63,778 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Mount Marty University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Mount Marty University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Yankton, South Dakota that handed out 198 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $63,778 in student loans.After graduating from Mount Marty, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $80,285 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Mount Marty University Report

#21

Sinte Gleska University

Mission, South Dakota
87 Total Awards

With a ranking of #21, Sinte Gleska University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Mission, South Dakota is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 87 students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

Full Sinte Gleska University Report

13 Total Awards
$37,317 Average Earnings
$25,597 Avg Student Debt

National American University - Ellsworth AFB Extension came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota ranking. Located in Box Elder, South Dakota, the very small private for-profit school awarded 13 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from National American University - Ellsworth AFB Extension accumulate an average of $25,597 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, National American University - Ellsworth AFB Extension graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,317 during the early year of their career. Around 31% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#21

Black Hills State University

Spearfish, South Dakota
539 Total Awards
$34,476 Average Earnings
$23,849 Avg Student Debt

Black Hills State University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in South Dakota ranking. This small public school is located in Spearfish, South Dakota, and it awarded 539 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,849 in student loans.After graduating from BHSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,476 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read More…

#21

Northern State University

Aberdeen, South Dakota
399 Total Awards
$38,422 Average Earnings
$24,273 Avg Student Debt

Northern State University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the small public school handed out 399 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,273 in student loans. During the early years of their career, NSU graduates make an average of $38,422 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northern State University

#25

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
818 Total Awards
$40,631 Average Earnings
$20,160 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Augustana University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Augustana Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It awarded 818 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Augustana Sioux Falls accumulate an average of $20,160 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Augustana Sioux Falls graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,631 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Full Augustana University Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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