Economics at South Dakota State University

South Dakota State's economics program manages debt well but lags in earnings outcomes. Starting graduates at $44,663 puts them roughly $7,000 below the national median and nearly $5,000 below what other South Dakota economics programs typically deliver. Even ranking at the 40th percentile among the state's five economics programs—essentially middle of the pack—the University of South Dakota graduates start nearly $8,000 higher.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $26,062, it's below both state and national averages, and the 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe just over half their first-year salary. The 28% earnings growth to $57,087 by year four shows solid career progression, though even at that point graduates remain below where many peers start. For context, this is an open-admission institution where 99% of applicants are accepted, which may partially explain the earnings gap.

For families prioritizing affordability over maximum earning potential, this program delivers manageable debt without standout returns. But if your child is competitive enough to gain admission elsewhere—particularly at USD—the earnings premium could justify exploring other options, even if it means slightly higher initial debt loads.