Head-to-head · 2026
Oglala Lakota College vs South Dakota State University
Compare average net price ($1,895 at Oglala Lakota College; $19,841 at South Dakota State University), ROI score (29.71 vs 6.94), ten-year median earnings ($22,517 vs $55,070), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Oglala Lakota College; 98.3% at South Dakota State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 2-2. Oglala Lakota College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Oglala Lakota College | South Dakota State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 29.71 ✓ | 6.94 |
| Avg net price | $1,895 ✓ | $19,841 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $22,517 | $55,070 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 98.3% |
| Graduation rate | 8.7% | 62.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | — | $23,250 |
| Enrollment | 1,097 | 9,198 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1120 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
South Dakota State University costs $17,946 more per year than Oglala Lakota College ($19,841 vs $1,895). South Dakota State University graduates report $32,553 higher median earnings after ten years ($55,070 vs $22,517). On EduGradify's model that puts Oglala Lakota College ahead on projected ROI (29.71 vs 6.94, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Oglala Lakota College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, South Dakota State University reports 98.3% acceptance; Oglala Lakota College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Oglala Lakota College vs South Dakota State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Oglala Lakota College or South Dakota State University the better value?
Oglala Lakota College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (29.71 vs 6.94), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Oglala Lakota College is cheaper — average net price $1,895 per year vs $19,841 at South Dakota State University. The annual difference of $17,946 adds up to about $71,784 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
South Dakota State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $55,070 vs $22,517 at Oglala Lakota College. The annual gap in the federal data is $32,553.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Oglala Lakota College reports a A+ value grade; South Dakota State University reports C.