Find a Job You Really Want In
As college freshmen evaluate their options, a critical factor in their decision-making process is the potential for improved job prospects after graduation.
In today’s competitive job market, securing a position can be challenging, especially with rising living costs across the United States.
South Dakota offers distinctive advantages for college students, including reputable research universities, quality state institutions, and diverse majors that prepare graduates for the evolving job landscape.
Given the array of excellent colleges in South Dakota, we examined which institutions are most effective at helping their graduates secure employment. Utilizing data from IPEDS and College Scorecard, we compiled this list of the best colleges for jobs in South Dakota.
The complete list is available below, but here are the top ten colleges that enhance job readiness for their graduates:
- Augustana University
- Northern State University
- Mount Marty College
- South Dakota State University
- University of Sioux Falls
- University of South Dakota
- Dakota State University
- Presentation College
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
- Dakota Wesleyan University
If you are a student at one of these institutions, you’re likely aware of the advantages they provide. For those considering their options, let’s explore why these colleges feature some of the best programs available in South Dakota.
How We Determined The Best Colleges In South Dakota For Jobs
To identify the best colleges in South Dakota for job placement, we utilized College Scorecard Data. Our analysis focused on the employment rates of graduates ten years post-graduation.
Our research was limited to 13 public and non-profit four-year institutions in South Dakota that offer at least a bachelor’s degree.
Colleges were ranked based on the percentage of their graduates who secured jobs. For clarity, each institution’s rating was rounded to two decimal places.
Augustana University, boasting the highest employment rate, was designated as the ‘Best College For Jobs in South Dakota.’
Best Colleges For Securing Employment In South Dakota
| Rank | College | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Augustana University | 96.05% |
| 2 | Northern State University | 94.11% |
| 3 | Mount Marty College | 93.51% |
| 4 | South Dakota State University | 93.41% |
| 5 | University of Sioux Falls | 92.76% |
| 6 | University of South Dakota | 92.12% |
| 7 | Dakota State University | 92.11% |
| 8 | Presentation College | 91.72% |
| 9 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | 90.99% |
| 10 | Dakota Wesleyan University | 90.79% |
| 11 | Black Hills State University | 89.68% |
| 12 | Sinte Gleska University | 72.68% |
| 13 | Oglala Lakota College | 68.79% |
Choosing the right college is a pivotal step towards a successful career. By considering institutions that have demonstrated strong job placement rates, students can enhance their chances of entering the workforce confidently and successfully.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
