Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Sioux Falls
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Sioux Falls graduates from this business program start at $44,301—just below both the state and national medians for business administration degrees. More concerning, this places them in the 40th percentile among South Dakota's 13 business programs, trailing competitors like Augustana University ($50,516) and USD ($47,107) by $3,000 to $6,000 annually. The moderate debt load of $24,750 is actually lighter than both state and national averages, but the overall package still lags regional alternatives.
The 12% earnings bump to $49,565 by year four suggests steady career progression, though graduates remain behind their in-state peers at that mark as well. For families comparing South Dakota options, the lower debt here doesn't fully offset the earnings gap—especially when public universities like USD offer stronger starting salaries at similar or lower costs.
This program won't derail anyone's career, but South Dakota families have demonstrably stronger options for business degrees. Unless specific program features matter deeply to your student, the in-state competition offers better returns on roughly the same investment.
Where University of Sioux Falls Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Sioux Falls graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Sioux Falls graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 43th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sioux Falls | $44,301 | $49,565 | $24,750 | 0.56 |
| Augustana University | $50,516 | $59,045 | $25,112 | 0.50 |
| National American University-Rapid City | $48,827 | $53,392 | $46,575 | 0.95 |
| University of South Dakota | $47,107 | $53,798 | $22,950 | 0.49 |
| Black Hills State University | $45,682 | $44,794 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| Dakota State University | $44,748 | $46,570 | $30,625 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in South Dakota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Dakota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augustana University Sioux Falls | $39,190 | $50,516 | $25,112 |
| National American University-Rapid City Rapid City | $16,065 | $48,827 | $46,575 |
| University of South Dakota Vermillion | $9,432 | $47,107 | $22,950 |
| Black Hills State University Spearfish | $9,000 | $45,682 | $27,000 |
| Dakota State University Madison | $9,633 | $44,748 | $30,625 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Sioux Falls, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 54 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.