Head-to-head · 2026
Sisseton Wahpeton College vs University of South Dakota
Compare average net price ($2,977 at Sisseton Wahpeton College; $19,858 at University of South Dakota), ROI score (26.49 vs 6.54), ten-year median earnings ($31,546 vs $51,926), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Sisseton Wahpeton College; 98.8% at University of South Dakota) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 2-2. Sisseton Wahpeton 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 | Sisseton Wahpeton College | University of South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 26.49 ✓ | 6.54 |
| Avg net price | $2,977 ✓ | $19,858 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $31,546 | $51,926 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 98.8% |
| Graduation rate | 20.6% | 59.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | — | $23,592 |
| Enrollment | 194 | 5,439 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1125 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Dakota costs $16,881 more per year than Sisseton Wahpeton College ($19,858 vs $2,977). University of South Dakota graduates report $20,380 higher median earnings after ten years ($51,926 vs $31,546). On EduGradify's model that puts Sisseton Wahpeton College ahead on projected ROI (26.49 vs 6.54, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Sisseton Wahpeton College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of South Dakota reports 98.8% acceptance; Sisseton Wahpeton College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Sisseton Wahpeton College vs University of South Dakota, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Sisseton Wahpeton College or University of South Dakota the better value?
Sisseton Wahpeton College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (26.49 vs 6.54), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Sisseton Wahpeton College is cheaper — average net price $2,977 per year vs $19,858 at University of South Dakota. The annual difference of $16,881 adds up to about $67,524 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Dakota reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $51,926 vs $31,546 at Sisseton Wahpeton College. The annual gap in the federal data is $20,380.
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. Sisseton Wahpeton College reports a A+ value grade; University of South Dakota reports C.