Head-to-head · 2026
Southeast Technical College vs University of South Dakota
Compare average net price ($17,400 at Southeast Technical College; $19,858 at University of South Dakota), ROI score (6.71 vs 6.54), ten-year median earnings ($46,709 vs $51,926), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Southeast Technical College; 98.8% at University of South Dakota) using federal College Scorecard data. Southeast Technical College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Southeast Technical 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 | Southeast Technical College | University of South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.71 ✓ | 6.54 |
| Avg net price | $17,400 ✓ | $19,858 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,709 | $51,926 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 98.8% |
| Graduation rate | 58.8% | 59.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,000 ✓ | $23,592 |
| Enrollment | 2,310 | 5,439 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1125 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Dakota costs $2,458 more per year than Southeast Technical College ($19,858 vs $17,400). University of South Dakota graduates report $5,217 higher median earnings after ten years ($51,926 vs $46,709). On EduGradify's model that puts Southeast Technical College ahead on projected ROI (6.71 vs 6.54, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Southeast Technical 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; Southeast Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Southeast Technical College vs University of South Dakota, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Southeast Technical College or University of South Dakota the better value?
Southeast Technical College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.71 vs 6.54), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southeast Technical College is cheaper — average net price $17,400 per year vs $19,858 at University of South Dakota. The annual difference of $2,458 adds up to about $9,832 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Dakota reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $51,926 vs $46,709 at Southeast Technical College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,217.
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. Southeast Technical College reports a C value grade; University of South Dakota reports C.