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Best Free and Low-Cost Online Colleges and Universities In South Dakota
South Dakota's public university system provides many universities for its residents. If you're looking for online undergraduate degree programs, you're in luck! The state also has a number of private colleges as well.
Schools in South Dakota are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. To learn more about online degree programs, costs, and ways to offset tuition charges, read on!
List of Free and Low-Cost Colleges with Online Degree Programs
1. South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University's online undergraduate degree programs makes the following degrees available online:
- Agricultural Business (B.S.)
- Early Education and Care (B.S.)
- General Studies (B.G.S.)
- Geographic Information Sciences (B.S.)
- Geography (B.A./B.S.)
- Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (B.S.)
- Medical Laboratory Science (Upward Mobility) (B.S.)*
- Nursing (RN to B.S.N.)
- Psychology (B.A./B.S.)
- Sociology (B.S.)
Most online degrees at SDSU are $354.75 per credit hour for both in- and out-of-state residents, which adds up to $4257 for a 12-hour semester, but rates may vary depending upon a student's classification.
2. University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota's online program enables students to learn degrees remotely in a number of interesting fields:
- Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Criminal Justice
- General Studies
- Health Sciences
- Management
- Marketing
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Supply Chain Management
- Technical Leadership
Tuition for online coursework is $354.75 per credit hour, which amounts to $4257 for a 12-credit semester. Students who are on active duty only pay $250.00 per credit hour.
3. Dakota State University
Dakota State University Online has an array of undergraduate degree programs available online:
- Artificial Intelligence (BS)
- Artificial Intelligence in Organizations (BS)
- Business:
- Accounting (BBA)
- Business Technology (BBA)
- Finance (BBA)
- Management (BBA)
- Marketing (BBA)
- Computer Information Systems (BS)
- Computer Science (BS)
- Cyber Leadership and Intelligence (BS)
- Digital Forensics (BS)
- World Affairs and Human Behavior Specialization (BS)
- Cyber Operations (BS)
- Elementary Education (BSE)
- Elementary Education/Special Education (BSE)
- General Studies (BGS)
- Health Informatics and Information Management (BS)
- Network and Security Administration (BS)
- Professional Accountancy
Tuition rates for online programs are based on a per-credit-hour approach. The basic undergrad online tuition rate is $354.75, although non-resident undergrads taking computer science courses will pay $464.90.
Those in active duty in the military will only pay $250.00 per credit. For 12-credit-hour semesters, the cost would be $4,257, $ 5,579, and $3,000 respectively.
4. Northern State University
If you're interested in Global Language and Culture or International Business, Northern State University may be the school for you!
NSU has many online certificate and degree programs, including online bachelor's degrees available in accounting, business administration, criminal justice, general studies, management, marketing, and Spanish.
The tuition rate, as at other state universities, is $354.75 per credit hour, which amounts to $4257 for a 12-credit semester.
5. Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University provides undergraduate online degree programs in general studies and business administration.
For in-state residents, tuition is $4382 per semester. In-state tuition is extended to residents of WY, CO, MT, ND, NE, and IA, while other out-of-state students pay $5933, except for those from MN, who pay $4962.
6. University of Sioux Falls
The University of Sioux Falls is a private university that offers undergraduate online degrees in accounting, business, health administration, or general studies. Full-time tuition per semester is $10,170.
How Can I Get an Online College Degree for Free in South Dakota?
Through the SD Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans earn one month of free tuition for each month of "qualifying service" to pay for up to four years of college. Also, dependents or survivors who died while on active duty are eligible for free tuition at a state school.
SD National Guard members may be eligible for 50% in-state resident tuition discounts, and the SD Board of Regents provides a 50% tuition discount to many K-12 teachers and certified educators.
Federal Student Aid
FAFSA
To qualify for financial aid, you or your parents need to complete and submit the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which determines a student's eligibility for federal financial aid as well as for many scholarship and grant programs.
You can learn more on the FAFSA on the Federal Student Aid website.
Pell Grant
The U.S. government awards Pell Grants to eligible undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need. Your FAFSA application will determine your eligibility. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
How Can I Cover Additional Online Degree Costs in South Dakota?
Scholarships in South Dakota
As a South Dakota resident, you may be eligible for a wide range of funding opportunities. Be sure to consult with the Financial Aid Office at each college or university you're interested in to find out what you might qualify for.
- The Dakota Corps Scholarship pays full tuition to South Dakota students who plan to enter a critical need occupation in the state after they graduate.
- The Build Dakota Scholarship Program has provided thousands of students with tuition, fees, books and other required program expenses in the eligible technical college programs.
- The public/private partnership for the Freedom Scholarship, which is need-based, awards $3,000 to $5,000 per year to South Dakota degree-seeking residents.
- The SD Opportunity Scholarship provides up to $6500 over four years for academically accomplished students seeking a Bachelor's degree.
- For enrolled members of American Indian tribes, the Hagen-Harvey Scholarship will grant a student $6,000 over four years for study at a South Dakota college or university.
FAQs Regarding Free Online College Degrees in South Dakota
Does FAFSA Cover Online College in South Dakota?
To become eligible for almost any type of financial aid or award, a student needs to submit a FAFSA form.
Do People with Certain Medical Conditions Qualify for Free Online College Tuition in South Dakota?
Many scholarships are available to assist students with certain health conditions to achieve their educational goals. For example, South Dakota residents under 25 who received a cancer diagnosis before age 21 can apply for a Midwest Division Scholarship Award from The American Cancer Society.
What if I Can't Find a Free Online University in South Dakota?
Even if you cannot find a totally free online degree program, you can usually find an affordable program by using all of the financial aid resources that are available to you.
Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree Online in South Dakota Today
If you're ready to embark on your online undergraduate educational journey, be sure to turn to us at Best Accredited Colleges for assistance in finding the best degree program for you and to help you locate scholarships, loans, and grants.
