Business/Managerial Economics at South Dakota State University

South Dakota State's Business/Managerial Economics program graduates earn about $8,000 less than the national median for this major—landing in just the 25th percentile nationally. That's a meaningful gap, especially when you consider that stronger programs in this field typically see graduates earning $60,000 or more right out of school. The $23,573 in median debt is roughly average, but paired with below-average earnings, the debt burden takes longer to work off than it should.

Here's the complication: this is the only Business/Managerial Economics program in South Dakota, which makes the 60th percentile state ranking somewhat hollow. If your child is set on staying in-state and wants this specific major, it's the only option. However, the nearly universal admission rate suggests SDSU isn't particularly selective, and the program's national performance indicates it's not compensating with exceptional outcomes. Students interested in business economics might find better value at more competitive programs in neighboring states, or by considering SDSU's other business tracks that may offer stronger local employment pipelines.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 is manageable—graduates should be able to handle their loans—but the opportunity cost is real. When a typical program graduate earns $53,000 and yours earns $45,000, that $8,000 annual difference compounds quickly over a career.