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2026 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in South Dakota
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools
For return on investment in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, no school beat Black Hills State University this year. Located in the town of Spearfish, Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,916, with out-of-state students paying around $12,018. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $26,820. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $42,789. Set against $26,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Northern State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Set in the town of Aberdeen, Northern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Students borrow a median of $26,143 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Northern State University earn a median of $45,824 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
South Dakota State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. South Dakota State University is a large public school located in the town of Brookings. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $20,866 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from South Dakota State University generally make around $32,134. Set against $20,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Dakota earned it the #4 place for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. University Of South Dakota is a large public school located in the town of Vermillion. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $30,092. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from University Of South Dakota generally make around $35,907. Set against $30,092 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Dakota State University one of the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Set in the town of Madison, Dakota State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $12,756. Students borrow a median of $37,250 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Dakota State University earn a median of $41,119 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
[Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong liberal arts / sciences & humanities education at a price that pays off.
