Return on Investment Analysis

South Dakota State University ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a South Dakota State University degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from South Dakota State University is 2.6 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending South Dakota State University?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at South Dakota State University is $37,196 ($9,299 per year). 46% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do South Dakota State University graduates earn?

The median earnings for South Dakota State University graduates 5 years after enrollment is $49,564. This is $14,564 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

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

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%
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration	$37,196	$129,350	4973%
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%
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services	$37,196	$0	N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$37,196	$38,000	61%
Plant Sciences	$37,196	$58,296	1153%

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

Is South Dakota State University worth the cost?

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.

How long does it take to break even on a South Dakota State University degree?

What is the total cost of attending South Dakota State University?

What do South Dakota State University graduates earn?

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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