2026 Best Value Psychology Schools in South Dakota

1

Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD

Leading the list is Northern State University, our #1 best value for psychology in South Dakota. Located in the town of Aberdeen, Northern State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $26,143. Psychology graduates of Northern State University earn a median of $45,824 early in their careers. Set against $26,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants.

2

Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD

A rank of #2 makes Black Hills State University one of the best values for psychology. Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Spearfish. Students from in state pay about $8,916 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Students borrow a median of $27,187 to complete the psychology program here. Psychology graduates of Black Hills State University earn a median of $35,996 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

3

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #3 place for psychology. South Dakota State University is a large public school located in the town of Brookings. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $25,608 to complete the psychology program here. Early-career psychology graduates make about $45,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Dakota earned it the #4 place for psychology. Set in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,593 to complete the psychology program here. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from University Of South Dakota generally make around $48,187. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.

5

University Of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD

A rank of #5 makes University Of Sioux Falls one of the best values for psychology. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, University Of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,750. Psychology graduates carry a median of $24,856 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychology degree recipients from University Of Sioux Falls generally make around $27,241. That is a strong return on a $24,856 median debt. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants.

6

Augustana College South Dakota
Sioux Falls, SD

Augustana College South Dakota ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value psychology schools. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,160. Typical student debt for psychology graduates is $27,000. Psychology graduates of Augustana College South Dakota earn a median of $39,098 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.