Established by the Dakota Territory legislature in 1862, The University of South Dakota is a public research university in Vermillion, South Dakota. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,103 (fall 2020), and the setting is Rural. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

South Dakota State University is a public institution that was founded in 1881. South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities, and research, innovation, and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,976 (fall 2020), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 387 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

In 1881, Dakota State University was founded as a school for teacher education, in the Dakota Territory. Though we have since shifted our primary focus of education to the cyber world, Dakota State remains one of the few universities in the nation, which provides students with the technology needed to excel in any career. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,740 (fall 2020), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 62 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Founded in 1883, the University of Sioux Falls, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a Christian, Liberal Arts University affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. USF is an independent, not-for-profit institution. Dedicated faculty intentionally integrate faith and learning, helping students to discover their career calling and preparing them to serve God and humankind. With a 99% placement rate, its alumni live out USF’s Culture for Service motto in their professions, families, and communities. For adult learners driven to fulfill their dreams, USF offers online and on-campus adult and graduate programs to help individuals finish their degrees or earn advanced degrees.

Founded in 1885 to provide instruction in the region’s primary industry, mining, today South Dakota Mines has evolved into one of the leading science and engineering universities in the region. The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (South Dakota Mines) is committed to excellence in science and engineering academics and research, and to developing the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers.  The university offers a wide array of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Dakota Wesleyan University is a private institution that was founded in 1885. As an inclusive educational community, Dakota Wesleyan University provides a transformative learning experience that cultivates enduring intellectual growth, ethically grounded leadership, intentional faith exploration, and meaningful service. DWU is a place where you can grow intellectually and ethically, where you can find, apply, and grow your innate strengths. DWU offers not only a transformative learning experience but a safe place to explore your faith and find meaning in community and service. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 781 (fall 2020), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 55 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.