Online Colleges in South Dakota

Founded in Brookings in 1881, SDState enrolls more than 12,600 students and serves as the state's largest university. The school offers more than a dozen online programs, including bachelor's degrees in early education, geography, interdisciplinary studies, medical laboratory science, nursing, psychology, and sociology. The university also provides online master's degrees in areas such as dietetics, educational administration, family and community services, mass communications, and public health.

On-campus SDState professors teach all distance courses, which means online learners complete the same rigorous coursework as on-campus students. Distance learners use the Desire2Learn platform to access lectures, materials, discussion boards, and assignments. The university's online programs emphasize interaction and include discussions and group projects.

SDState participates in the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance, which means nonresident, online students pay discounted tuition rates. This discount applies to all online undergraduate and graduate programs. Because of SDState's participation in the consortium, the university is among the most popular online colleges in South Dakota for out-of-state learners.

The university accepts undergraduate students on a rolling basis, while graduate applicants can apply for fall or spring admission. Undergraduate applicants must provide high school transcripts and ACT scores, along with any transcripts from previous postsecondary studies. Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and must submit undergraduate transcripts and GRE scores. The university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

SDState offers more than 500 online courses to help current high school students earn college credit before graduating. This coursework can help students transition into higher education and may allow them to earn a bachelor's degree in fewer than four years.

Located in Aberdeen, NSU offers several online degrees to students throughout the United States. Available online options include an associate degree in criminal justice, bachelor's degrees in general studies, management, and international business, and master's degrees in banking and financial management and leadership and administration. The school also offers an online professional accountancy certificate.

The university hosts the Center for Statewide E-Learning, which delivers online courses to K-12 students throughout South Dakota. This program helps individuals from rural areas access rigorous classes, including many Advanced Placement courses not available in smaller schools or districts.

NSU's tuition rates are some of the most affordable among online colleges in South Dakota. Distance learners enjoy access to resources including academic advising, counseling, career services, financial aid help, technology services, tutoring, and a writing center. The university delivers online coursework through the Desire2Learn platform.

Undergraduate applicants need a minimum 18 composite ACT score or 950 SAT score, along with a minimum 2.6 high school GPA. High school transcripts must reflect four years of English, three years of advanced math, three years of lab science, three years of social science, and one year of fine arts coursework.

Prospective master's students must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, and some programs require GRE scores and a personal statement.

A public institution founded in 1901, NSU enrolls more than 3,600 students and holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1881 and located in Madison, DSU enrolls more than 3,300 online and on-campus students. Distance learners can pursue six associate, 14 bachelor's, and nine graduate degrees completely online.

Distance learners benefit from student services including academic advising, counseling, tutoring, and financial aid assistance. Online learners can connect with peers through web conferencing; students can share files, video chat, and collaborate through interactive whiteboards. DSU students and alumni can access Handshake, an online platform that helps users find internship and career opportunities.

Applicants to online undergraduate programs must rank in the top 60% of their high school class, must possess a minimum 2.6 GPA, and must earn at least an 18 on the ACT or at least an 870 in math and critical reading on the SAT. Although admission requirements vary among graduate programs, applicants must typically submit GRE scores, and applicants to master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree. The university accepts applications on a rolling basis, with no set deadlines.

DSU is one of the most transfer-friendly online colleges in South Dakota. The university accepts credits from nearly all regionally accredited institutions nationwide. Transfer applicants must demonstrate good standing at their most recently attended institution and must possess at least a 2.0 GPA. Those with fewer than 24 college credits must also provide ACT or SAT scores and high school transcripts. DSU may accept applicants who do not meet admission standards on a probationary basis.

Victory Media has recognized Dakota State as a military-friendly school for seven consecutive years. The university connects service members, veterans, and military families with dedicated benefits coordinators and offers them discounted undergraduate tuition rates.

Located in Aberdeen, Presentation College offers some of the most affordable online college courses in South Dakota, including online degrees in nursing, healthcare administration, health science, medical coding, radiologic technology, and surgical technology. Distance learners from across the United States access course materials, assignments, and discussions using the Moodle digital learning platform.

PC students enjoy access to resources including tutoring, writing assistance, mock interviews, and assistance with resume building and job searches. Online learners can access a digital library, academic advising, and personal counseling. All online students pay the same tuition rates, regardless of residency.

Incoming freshmen need a minimum 2.0 GPA and at least an 18 composite ACT score or a 940 redesigned SAT score. Applicants older than 24 do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores. Transfer applicants must be in good standing at their previous school and must possess a minimum 2.0 college GPA.

Applicants to the master of science in nursing family nurse practitioner program or the nurse educator program must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited postsecondary institution and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. They must also provide evidence of an unencumbered RN license and must submit at least two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a current CPR certification.

PC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education approve its health and nursing programs.

Founded in 1862 in Vermillion, USD is a public research university that enrolls nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. USD is one of the most accessible and affordable South Dakota colleges; online programs include more than 20 undergraduate and graduate offerings in areas such as fine arts, business, education, and health sciences.

Online learners at USD enjoy access to resources including an academic and career planning center through which students can receive help scheduling classes, securing internships, and connecting with potential employers. Students can also access a writing center, veterans services, and a digital library. All online students pay in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency.

Incoming freshmen need at least a 21 composite ACT score or at least a 1070 SAT score. Applicants who do not hold the minimum standardized test scores need at least a 2.6 GPA or must rank within the top 50% of their graduating high school class.

Transfer applicants must provide transcripts from all previous institutions and must be in good academic standing with those schools. USD maintains articulation agreements with 12 community colleges in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska -- which makes transferring easy for graduates of two-year schools in those states.

Offering some of the most accessible online college classes in South Dakota, the university provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at a discounted, per-credit rate.

Founded in 1883, BHSU is a public university based in Spearfish that maintains satellite campuses in Rapid City and Pierre. BHSU offers fully online bachelor's degrees in business administration and general studies, along with master's degrees in education, sustainability, curriculum and instruction, secondary education, and strategic leadership.

One of the top online colleges in South Dakota, BHSU offers more than 200 distance courses, including classes in accounting and tourism management. BHSU delivers online courses through the Desire2Learn platform, and most classes feature an asynchronous format that enables students to complete assignments at their convenience.

The online business administration program features a business management specialization. Students take 120 credits, including 33 business core credits, 18 management credits, and general education and pre-business courses.

Incoming freshmen need at least an 18 composite ACT score and a minimum 2.6 high school GPA, and they must rank in the top 60% of their graduating class. Applicants must have completed four years of English; three years of math, social science, and lab science; and a year of fine arts courses. Transfer applicants must provide college transcripts, must possess a minimum 2.0 GPA, and must be in good standing at their most recently attended institution. Applicants older than 22 do not need to provide ACT or SAT scores.

Distance learners enjoy access to the same student services as on-campus students, including academic advising, personal counseling, a writing center, career services, library services, financial aid assistance, and disability services. Residents of Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming pay in-state tuition rates, and Minnesota residents receive tuition discounts.

Located in Mitchell, DWU is a private, nonprofit institution. The university delivers a variety of online degrees, certificates, and courses that allow students to interact with instructors and peers. Most courses are asynchronous, allowing students to view lectures, complete assignments, post to discussion boards, and communicate with professors on their own time. Online students can access library services, academic advising, career services, and tutoring.

The university provides eight-week terms and multiple start dates throughout the year. DWU offers a bachelor of arts completion program which requires 57 credits of general education and business courses. Students can bring up to 63 previous credits and typically complete the program in fewer than 24 months. Applicants must hold an associate degree, and those with a GPA below 2.0 may need to provide additional application materials.

DWU also offers an online licenced practical nurse to bachelor of science in nursing program, along with master's degrees in education and business administration. Applicants to either online master's program must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA and must submit a current resume and a personal statement. Students can also earn online certificates in nonprofit church leadership and trust management.

Online students pay the same per-credit tuition rates regardless of state residency, and they pay no application or enrollment fees. The university helps students apply for financial aid and provides a tuition payment plan, making DWU among the more affordable online colleges in South Dakota.

USF is a Christian, private, nonprofit university founded in 1883 that enrolls nearly 1,500 students. One of the most popular online colleges in South Dakota, USF offers a variety of online programs and courses, including online bachelor's degrees in accounting, business, health administration, and nursing. Distance learners can pursue online master's degrees in business administration and education, and USF offers online certificate programs for adult education and K-12 teachers.

The university's distance programs cater to busy learners through flexible scheduling options and asynchronous coursework that allows students to complete class requirements at their convenience. Online students can take some courses on campus, which meet one or two evenings per week.

Freshman applicants need at least a 20 composite ACT score or the SAT equivalent, must possess a minimum 2.8 GPA, and must have completed at least four units of English, three units of math, three units of lab science, and two units of social studies courses. Applicants must submit official high school and/or college transcripts and must complete a phone interview with an admissions staff member. New students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, form and must enroll in at least six credits.

USF offers several degree completion programs; applicants must hold an associate degree or boast at least 48 previous credits, must possess a minimum 2.0 GPA, and must have completed three years of work or volunteer experience. Applicants interview with a school official.

The university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its business programs are certified by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.