Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota graduates in this field earn slightly above the national median right out of the gate—$41,191 versus $40,004 nationally—placing them at the 75th percentile among similar programs nationwide. The $26,000 debt load sits just below the national median of $27,000, creating a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio. With only two schools in South Dakota offering this program and USD hitting the state median exactly, you're looking at one of the limited in-state options for this career path.

The modest 7% earnings growth over four years means graduates reach about $43,948 by year four—not dramatic growth, but steady progression in a field where stability often matters more than explosive salary increases. This program performs better than three-quarters of similar programs nationally, which suggests USD has developed solid employer connections or curriculum relevance despite its 99% admission rate and modest academic profile.

For South Dakota families, this represents a practical investment in a helping profession. The debt is reasonable enough to service on a $41,000 starting salary, and you're getting above-average outcomes compared to most programs in this field. If your student is committed to social services work and wants to stay in the region, USD delivers competitive preparation without the debt burden that often plagues social science degrees at pricier institutions.