Main College Cost Directory 2026
U.S. College Cost Directory
Use this directory as the main starting point for comparing U.S. colleges by tuition, total cost, net price, median earnings, graduation rate, and value score.
Interactive Table
Search inside the table, click any column heading to sort, and open individual college profiles for more detail.
| University | Location | Type | Total Cost | Net Price | Median Earnings | Graduation Rate | Value Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | Rapid City, SD | Public | $25,385 | $20,183 | $72,257 | 53% | Value Score = earnings 28.9 + graduation 13.2 + net price 8.3 + total cost 6.8 + debt 5.1 = 62.3/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | Public | $24,636 | $19,841 | $55,070 | 62.4% | Value Score = earnings 22.0 + graduation 15.6 + net price 8.4 + total cost 6.9 + debt 5.4 = 58.3/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| University of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls, SD | Private Nonprofit | $34,274 | $21,383 | $54,521 | 62.9% | Value Score = earnings 21.8 + graduation 15.7 + net price 7.9 + total cost 5.7 + debt 5.4 = 56.5/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | Public | $24,422 | $19,858 | $51,926 | 59.9% | Value Score = earnings 20.8 + graduation 15.0 + net price 8.4 + total cost 6.9 + debt 5.0 = 56.1/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | Private Nonprofit | $55,159 | $23,894 | $59,217 | 73% | Value Score = earnings 23.7 + graduation 18.2 + net price 7.0 + total cost 3.1 + debt 3.9 = 56.0/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| Dakota State University | Madison, SD | Public | $25,753 | $21,057 | $50,970 | 51.3% | Value Score = earnings 20.4 + graduation 12.8 + net price 8.0 + total cost 6.8 + debt 5.9 = 53.9/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| Northern State University | Aberdeen, SD | Public | $22,077 | $15,812 | $47,618 | 48.9% | Value Score = earnings 19.0 + graduation 12.2 + net price 9.7 + total cost 7.2 + debt 5.5 = 53.8/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| Black Hills State University | Spearfish, SD | Public | $21,277 | $15,911 | $46,674 | 42.6% | Value Score = earnings 18.7 + graduation 10.7 + net price 9.7 + total cost 7.3 + debt 5.7 = 52.1/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| Dakota Wesleyan University | Mitchell, SD | Private Nonprofit | $43,864 | $19,735 | $53,728 | 48.3% | Value Score = earnings 21.5 + graduation 12.1 + net price 8.4 + total cost 4.5 + debt 4.4 = 50.9/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| Mount Marty University | Yankton, SD | Private Nonprofit | $48,247 | $22,227 | $48,179 | 52.4% | Value Score = earnings 19.3 + graduation 13.1 + net price 7.6 + total cost 4.0 + debt 5.8 = 49.7/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
| National American University-Rapid City | Rapid City, SD | Private For Profit | $34,452 | $31,062 | $37,325 | 0% | Value Score = earnings 14.9 + graduation 0.0 + net price 4.6 + total cost 5.7 + debt 4.3 = 29.5/100. Uses median earnings, graduation rate, net price, total cost, and median debt. |
How to Use This Page
- Start with the search box if you already know a college name.
- Use the sort dropdown to change the default ranking method.
- Click a college name to open the profile page with charts and budget tools.
Method Notes
Use the table as a starting point, then review each college profile for cost, net price, earnings, debt, graduation rate, and fit.
Figures are designed for comparison and may not match a student’s final bill. Residency, aid eligibility, housing, program fees, course load, and family income can change the real cost.