2026 Best Value Biology Studies Schools in South Dakota
[Biology Studies](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value biology studies schools.
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2026 Best Value Biology Studies Schools in South Dakota
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in biology studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Biology Studies Schools
Northern State University earned the #1 spot for value among biology studies schools in South Dakota. Northern State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Aberdeen. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $25,300. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $45,824. That is a strong return on a $25,300 median debt. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants.
Black Hills State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Located in the town of Spearfish, Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,916, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,619 to complete the biology studies program here. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $33,518. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Students looking for strong value in biology studies will find it at South Dakota State University, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from South Dakota State University generally make around $32,940. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Dakota earned it the #4 place for biology studies. Set in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $23,250. Biology Studies graduates of University Of South Dakota earn a median of $30,167 early in their careers. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Rapid City. In-state tuition and fees average $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $26,668 in student loans. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $75,838. Set against $26,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology admits about 80% of applicants.
University Of Sioux Falls earned the #6 position for value in biology studies this year. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, University Of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,750. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $25,196. Biology Studies graduates of University Of Sioux Falls earn a median of $46,229 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants.
Augustana College South Dakota came in at #7 for value in biology studies this year. Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Sioux Falls. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,160. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $50,088. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.
More Biology Studies Rankings
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
