Popular Sections for South Dakota MBA Students
Interactive Table | Best MBAs Detail | Tuition | Salary | ROI | Average GMAT | No GMAT / GRE | How We Rank
Executive Summary MBA Programs in South Dakota for 2025
$12,420
Average MBA Tuition in South Dakota
$60,325
Average Starting MBA Salary in South Dakota
547
Average GMAT Scores in South Dakota
881
Average Student Enrollment in South Dakota
Key Highlights:
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- Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in South Dakota.
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- Detailed profiles of both online and on-campus MBA programs in South Dakota, their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks are included to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.
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- Insights into South Dakota's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.
Top 5 Industries and Companies Hiring MBA Graduates in South Dakota
South Dakota's economy is diverse and robust, making it an ideal location for pursuing an MBA degree. The state's key industries include agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and retail trade. This diverse industrial landscape provides ample opportunities for MBA graduates to apply their skills in various sectors.
Agriculture is the backbone of South Dakota's economy. It provides a wide range of opportunities for MBA graduates specializing in Agribusiness or Supply Chain Management. Manufacturing sector also plays a vital role in the state's economy. An MBA with a concentration in Operations Management or Lean Manufacturing can find excellent opportunities here.
Healthcare is another major industry in South Dakota. For those with an MBA in Healthcare Management or Healthcare Administration, there are numerous opportunities within this sector. Financial services industry offers roles for MBAs specializing in Finance or Risk Management. Lastly, the retail trade industry provides potential careers for those with a Marketing or Sales Management specialization.
| Major Industries | Relevance to MBA Students |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Opportunities for specializations in Agribusiness or Supply Chain Management |
| Manufacturing | Ideal for concentrations in Operations Management or Lean Manufacturing |
| Healthcare | Suitable for specializations in Healthcare Management or Administration |
| Financial Services | Roles available for Finance or Risk Management specializations |
| Retail Trade | Careers for those with Marketing or Sales Management specialization |
South Dakota houses several top companies that actively recruit MBA graduates:
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- Sanford Health: As one of the largest health systems in the United States, Sanford Health offers numerous leadership and management positions perfect for MBA graduates.
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- Daktronics: Known worldwide for its electronic scoreboards and digital displays, Daktronics offers great opportunities for MBAs with a focus on marketing and project management.
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- Raven Industries: Specializing in precision agriculture, high-altitude balloons, and plastic film technology; Raven Industries offers diverse roles suited to MBAs.
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- First PREMIER Bank: A top financial institution that offers lucrative roles within risk management and financial analysis – perfect for those with an MBA specialization in Finance.
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- Avera Health: A health care system which operates across five states; Avera Health has several administrative positions suited to those with a Healthcare Administration specialization.
Sortable Table of the Top AACSB Accredited MBA Programs in South Dakota
Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best MBA programs by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in South Dakota. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.
| Rank | University | Avg. Graduate ROI | Avg. In State Tuition | Avg. Starting Salary | State | Campus and Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Dakota | 457.00% | $14,850 | $68,000 | SD | Yes |
| 2 | Black Hills State University | 273.00% | $9,990 | $52,650 | SD | Yes |
10 Best Ranked MBA Programs in South Dakota
University of South Dakota
Beacom School of Business
Location:
- Vermillion
,
- SD
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- 1-Year
- ·
- Campus
- ·
- Distance Education
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- E-Commerce
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resources
- Insurance
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Other
- Quantitative Methods
- Science and Technology
- Supply Chain
Black Hills State University
College of Business and Natural Sciences
Location:
- Spearfish
,
- SD
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- General Business
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Management
Degree Level(s):
Offered As:
- International Business
University of Sioux Falls
University of Sioux Falls - Vucurevich School of Business
Location:
- Sioux Falls
,
- SD
Control: Private
Accredited: AACSB
Degree Level(s):
Offered As:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
Compare MBA Program Averages in 2025
South Dakota, the U.S. and Online
| Averages | South Dakota MBA Programs | Online MBA Programs | MBA Programs Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average MBA Tuition | $12,420 | $76,119 | $85,145 |
| Average Graduate Salary | $60,325 | $82,169 | $85,550 |
| Average ROI | 246% | 196% | 185% |
| Average GMAT Scores | 542 | 561 | 567 |
What is the Average Tuition for MBA Programs in South Dakota?
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.
While the average in-person MBA program in South Dakota will cost about $12,420, the least expensive MBA program is $9,990 from Black Hills State University, and the most expensive is $14,850 from University of South Dakota.
An Online MBA program from an institution in South Dakota will cost you between $9,990 from Black Hills State University and $14,850 from University of South Dakota. The average cost of online MBA programs within South Dakota is $12,420.
Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs
Average: $12,420 from South Dakota’s 2 in-person MBA Programs
Lowest in-person: $9,990 from Black Hills State University
Highest in-person: $14,850 from University of South Dakota
Most Affordable MBAs in South Dakota
- Black Hills State University - $9,990.00
- University of South Dakota - $14,850.00
Most Expensive MBAs in South Dakota
- University of South Dakota - $14,850.00
- Black Hills State University - $9,990.00
What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary in South Dakota?
While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in South Dakota is about $60,325, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $52,650 from Black Hills State University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $68,000 from University of South Dakota.
The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in South Dakota is between $52,650 from Black Hills State University and $68,000 from University of South Dakota. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within South Dakota is $60,325.
Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs
- Average: $60,325 from South Dakota’s 2 In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest In-Person: $52,650 from Black Hills State University
- Highest In-Person:$68,000 from University of South Dakota
Schools with the Highest Graduate MBA Salaries in South Dakota
- University of South Dakota - $68,000.00
- Black Hills State University - $52,650.00
Schools with the Lowest Graduate MBA Salaries in South Dakota
- Black Hills State University - $52,650.00
- University of South Dakota - $68,000.00
What is the Average ROI for MBA Programs in South Dakota?
Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.
By scrutinizing the ROI, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.
While the average in-person MBA program ROI from South Dakota is 246%, the lowest ROI is 219% from Black Hills State University, and the best ROI is 273% from University of South Dakota.
The ROI from Online MBA programs in South Dakota range between 219% from Black Hills State University and 273% from University of South Dakota. The average ROI of online MBA programs within South Dakota is 246%.
In-Person ROI for MBA Programs
- Average: 246% from South Dakota’s 2 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 219% from Black Hills State University
- Highest in-person: 273% from University of South Dakota
Highest ROI for MBA Programs in South Dakota
- University of South Dakota - 457.00%
- Black Hills State University - 273.00%
Lowest ROI for MBA Programs in South Dakota
- Black Hills State University - 273.00%
- University of South Dakota - 457.00%
What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in South Dakota?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.
While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in South Dakota is 542, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 540 from Black Hills State University, and the highest GMAT score needed is 544 from University of South Dakota.
The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in South Dakota is between 540 from Black Hills State University to 544 from University of South Dakota. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within South Dakota is 542.
Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs
- Average: 542 from South Dakota’s 2 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 540 from Black Hills State University
- Highest in-person: 544 from University of South Dakota
Lowest GMAT Scores in South Dakota
Highest GMAT Scores in South Dakota
No GMAT or GRE – Best MBA Programs in South Dakota
MBA Schools with the Most Alumni South Dakota?
The importance of networking, whether it’s by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.
Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.
For South Dakota state’s MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 2 and 125. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 17.00 and : 242.00.
Average Enrollment for In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest: 2 from Black Hills State University
- Highest: 125 from University of South Dakota
- Average: 64 from South Dakota’s 2 MBA Programs.
- Average: 296 from 511 the nation’s campus MBA Programs.
Schools with the Lowest Student Enrollment in South Dakota
MBA Programs with the Highest Student Enrollment in South Dakota
What MBA Concentrations Available in South Dakota?
Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of South Dakota businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 19 MBA concentrations including:
- Accounting: 2
- Entrepreneurship: 2
- Management: 2
- General Business: 2
- Human Resources: 2
- Economics: 1
- Finance: 1
- E-Commerce: 1
- Healthcare Administration: 1
- Corporate Finance: 1
What Schools Offer the Widest Variety of MBA Concentrations in South Dakota?
Cities Offering MBA Programs in South Dakota
Looking for a particular city in South Dakota with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in South Dakota. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.
The Importance of MBA Accreditation
The importance of accreditation can’t be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.
AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.
MBA Program Options Available in South Dakota
Options for earning your MBA in South Dakota have never been more flexible. South Dakota MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.
South Dakota has 2 Accredited MBA programs. 0 private and 2 public schools offering MBA programs.
South Dakota has 2 public schools and 0 private schools offering MBA degree programs.
2 Accredited MBA programs. and 2 public schools offering MBA programs.
South Dakota schools offer 9 different paths to earn your MBA in South Dakota including Campus, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time, 1-Year, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends.
To meet the diverse needs of South Dakota businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 19 MBA concentrations to specialize in.
Awards for MBA Programs in South Dakota
The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.
Of the 2 accredited MBA programs offered in South Dakota, 2 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (MBAGuide) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.
South Dakota schools have earned a total of 2 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:
Publications and the number of awards granted for South Dakota schools:
- MBAGuide: 2
How We Rank the Best MBA Programs in South Dakota
MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.
Best MBA Programs by State: Online and In-Person
Alabama – Online | In-Person
Alaska – Online | In-Person
Arizona – Online | In-Person
Arkansas – Online | In-Person
California – Online | In-Person
Colorado – Online | In-Person
Connecticut – Online | In-Person
Delaware – Online | In-Person
Florida – Online | In-Person
Georgia – Online | In-Person
Hawaii – Online | In-Person
Idaho – Online | In-Person
Illinois – Online | In-Person
Indiana – Online | In-Person
Iowa – Online | In-Person
Kansas – Online | In-Person
Kentucky – Online | In-Person
Louisiana – Online | In-Person
Maine – Online | In-Person
Maryland – Online | In-Person
Massachusetts – Online | In-Person
Michigan – Online | In-Person
Minnesota – Online | In-Person
Mississippi – Online | In-Person
Missouri – Online | In-Person
Montana – Online | In-Person
Nebraska – Online | In-Person
Nevada – Online | In-Person
New Hampshire – Online | In-Person
New Jersey – Online | In-Person
New Mexico – Online | In-Person
New York – Online | In-Person
North Carolina – Online | In-Person
North Dakota – Online | In-Person
Ohio – Online | In-Person
Oklahoma – Online | In-Person
Oregon – Online | In-Person
Pennsylvania – Online | In-Person
Rhode Island – Online | In-Person
South Carolina – Online | In-Person
South Dakota – Online | In-Person
Tennessee – Online | In-Person
Texas – Online | In-Person
Utah – Online | In-Person
Vermont – Online | In-Person
Virginia – Online | In-Person
Washington – Online | In-Person
West Virginia – Online | In-Person
Wisconsin – Online | In-Person
Wyoming – Online | In-Person
District of Columbia – Online | In-Person
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), 520 MBA Schools, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you notice errors in the MBA program database, please contact us.
Find: MBA Programs in South Dakota | Online MBA Programs in South Dakota Rankings: MBA Program Rankings | Online MBA Program Rankings Guides: Guide to Earning an Online MBA | Guide to Earning an MBA Concentrations: Online MBA Concentrations | Campus MBA Concentrations