Head-to-head · 2026
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs University of Sioux Falls
Compare average net price ($20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls), ROI score (8.95 vs 6.37), ten-year median earnings ($72,257 vs $54,521), and admissions selectivity (79.9% acceptance at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; 82.9% at University of Sioux Falls) using federal College Scorecard data. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has a 4-2 metric-level edge. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | University of Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.95 ✓ | 6.37 |
| Avg net price | $20,183 ✓ | $21,383 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $72,257 ✓ | $54,521 |
| Acceptance rate | 79.9% ✓ | 82.9% |
| Graduation rate | 53% | 62.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $23,249 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,071 | 1,218 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1245 | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Sioux Falls costs $1,200 more per year than South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ($21,383 vs $20,183). South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates report $17,736 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,257 vs $54,521). On EduGradify's model that puts South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ahead on projected ROI (8.95 vs 6.37, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is accessible at 79.9% acceptance versus 82.9% (accessible) at University of Sioux Falls.
Frequently asked
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs University of Sioux Falls, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or University of Sioux Falls the better value?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.95 vs 6.37), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is cheaper — average net price $20,183 per year vs $21,383 at University of Sioux Falls. The annual difference of $1,200 adds up to about $4,800 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,257 vs $54,521 at University of Sioux Falls. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,736.
Which school is harder to get into?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is more selective at 79.9% acceptance vs 82.9% at University of Sioux Falls.
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. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports a B value grade; University of Sioux Falls reports C.