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Return on Investment Analysis

South Dakota State University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at South Dakota State University costs about $37,196 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $49,564 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.6 years (20-year ROI: 683%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$37,196

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$14,564/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

2.6 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

683%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

South Dakota State University has a high acceptance rate of 98.7% and a graduation rate of 59.5%. The average in-state tuition is $9299. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $51160. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $49564, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $55070.

The median debt for graduates is $23250, and 45.8% of students receive financial aid. Based on the one-year earnings, the tuition cost is recouped in less than a year. The five-year earnings are slightly lower than the one-year earnings. The ten-year earnings are higher than the one and five-year earnings.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$9,299

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

Median Earnings (5yr)

$49,564

Graduation Rate

60%

Receive Financial Aid

46%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $37,196 $64,471 1485%
Animal Sciences $37,196 $47,937 596%
Mechanical Engineering $37,196 $77,562 2189%
Biology, General $37,196 $43,780 372%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $37,196 $45,130 445%
Agriculture, General $37,196 $51,282 775%
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $37,196 $40,526 197%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $37,196 $46,260 505%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $37,196 $38,000 61%
Plant Sciences $37,196 $58,296 1153%
Agricultural Business and Management $37,196 $55,074 979%
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management $37,196 $42,593 308%
Psychology, General $37,196 $42,502 303%
Civil Engineering $37,196 $67,561 1651%
Economics $37,196 $57,087 1088%
Sociology $37,196 $41,490 249%
Business/Managerial Economics $37,196 $0 N/A
Communication and Media Studies $37,196 $35,719 -61%
Computer and Information Sciences, General $37,196 $89,959 2855%
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management $37,196 $44,584 415%
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $37,196 $67,472 1646%
Mathematics $37,196 $48,395 620%
Agricultural Mechanization $37,196 $62,961 1403%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $37,196 $44,397 405%

Peer Comparison

South Dakota State University Current

683%

20yr ROI

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

658%

20yr ROI

University of Arkansas

653%

20yr ROI

Dakota Wesleyan University

119%

20yr ROI

University of California-Santa Cruz

405%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$37,196
Median Debt$23,250

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$37,196

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, South Dakota State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 683%. The total 4-year cost is $37,196 and graduates earn a median of $49,564 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

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