Return on Investment Analysis

University of South Dakota ROI Analysis

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

The estimated break-even point for a degree from University of South Dakota is 3.3 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

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

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at University of South Dakota is $37,728 ($9,432 per year). 42% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do University of South Dakota graduates earn?

The median earnings for University of South Dakota graduates 5 years after enrollment is $46,290. This is $11,290 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.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of South Dakota costs about $37,728 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $46,290 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.3 years (20-year ROI: 498%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$37,728

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$11,290/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

3.3 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

498%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

The University of South Dakota has a high acceptance rate of 99% and a graduation rate of 59.4%. The median debt for graduates is $23,592, and 41.8% of students receive financial aid. In-state tuition is $9,432. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $49,835.

The data indicates a positive return on investment. The one-year earnings are significantly higher than the tuition cost. The five-year median earnings are $46,290, and the ten-year median earnings are $51,926.

Based on the provided data, a basic debt-to-income ratio can be calculated. With a median debt of $23,592 and a one-year median income of $49,835, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.47. This suggests graduates can pay off their debt relatively quickly.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$9,432

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,592

Median Earnings (5yr)

$46,290

Graduation Rate

59%

Receive Financial Aid

42%

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	$37,728	$67,147	1604%
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$37,728	$95,269	3095%
Educational Administration and Supervision	$37,728	$111,872	3975%
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions	$37,728	$43,948	374%
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General	$37,728	$48,244	602%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$37,728	$41,250	231%
Biology, General	$37,728	$54,135	914%
Accounting and Related Services	$37,728	$74,682	2004%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions	$37,728	$71,353	1827%
Communication and Media Studies	$37,728	$45,965	481%
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities	$37,728	$0	N/A
Psychology, General	$37,728	$47,040	538%
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services	$37,728	$51,576	779%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$37,728	$47,981	588%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas	$37,728	$44,606	409%
Human Services, General	$37,728	$69,744	1742%
Marketing	$37,728	$46,630	517%
Special Education and Teaching	$37,728	$47,307	552%
Public Administration	$37,728	$73,463	1939%
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions	$37,728	$54,943	957%
Finance and Financial Management Services	$37,728	$58,166	1128%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology	$37,728	$50,530	723%
Political Science and Government	$37,728	$44,330	395%
History	$37,728	$37,211	17%

Peer Comparison

University of South Dakota Current

498%

20yr ROI

University of North Texas

406%

20yr ROI

Athens State University

20yr ROI

The University of Texas at San Antonio

531%

20yr ROI

State University of New York at Oswego

548%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$37,728

Median Debt$23,592

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$37,728

Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of South Dakota worth the cost?

Based on government data, University of South Dakota has an estimated 20-year ROI of 498%. The total 4-year cost is $37,728 and graduates earn a median of $46,290 within 5 years.

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

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

What do University of South Dakota 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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