“USD provides students with an affordable, high-quality education and unforgettable experiences,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “The South Dakota Advantage initiative is a critical tool we can use to increase our reach regionally and grow our enrollment by bringing more students to the university. Approximately 30% of nonresident students remain in the state after graduation. By growing our enrollment, we’re also ensuring South Dakota’s future success by preparing tomorrow’s workforce.”
The South Dakota Advantage program currently applies to Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Minnesota, Kansas and Missouri were added due to the states’ proximity and the demand for higher education.
At the graduate level, the South Dakota Advantage and Child of Alumni rates will expand to qualifying students pursuing graduate programs (excluding medicine, law, occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician assistant studies) equivalent to the resident graduate tuition rate. Qualifications include if the student is from a South Dakota Advantage state or is a Child of Alumni and if the student received an undergraduate degree from an SDBOR institution.
The rates will go into effect for new students enrolled in the 2024 summer term and beyond.
The SDBOR also expanded the reduced tuition rate for state employees to include online education courses.
“This is an exciting opportunity for USD employees who wish to continue their education but may have previously chosen to wait because of work and scheduling conflicts,” said Gestring.
The reduced tuition is available to resident, benefit-eligible employees who have continuously been employed with the state for at least one year.
