Head-to-head · 2026
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs University of South Dakota
Compare average net price ($20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; $19,858 at University of South Dakota), ROI score (8.95 vs 6.54), ten-year median earnings ($72,257 vs $51,926), and admissions selectivity (79.9% acceptance at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; 98.8% at University of South Dakota) using federal College Scorecard data. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 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 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | University of South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.95 ✓ | 6.54 |
| Avg net price | $20,183 | $19,858 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $72,257 ✓ | $51,926 |
| Acceptance rate | 79.9% ✓ | 98.8% |
| Graduation rate | 53% | 59.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $23,592 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,071 | 5,439 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1245 ✓ | 1125 |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology costs $325 more per year than University of South Dakota ($20,183 vs $19,858). South Dakota School of Mines and Technology graduates report $20,331 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,257 vs $51,926). On EduGradify's model that puts South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ahead on projected ROI (8.95 vs 6.54, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is accessible at 79.9% acceptance versus 98.8% (accessible) at University of South Dakota.
Frequently asked
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology vs University of South Dakota, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or University of South Dakota the better value?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.95 vs 6.54), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Dakota is cheaper — average net price $19,858 per year vs $20,183 at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The annual difference of $325 adds up to about $1,300 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 $51,926 at University of South Dakota. The annual gap in the federal data is $20,331.
Which school is harder to get into?
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is more selective at 79.9% acceptance vs 98.8% at University of South Dakota.
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 South Dakota reports C.