Accredited Online Colleges in South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota, located in the Midwestern region of the U.S., is a largely rural state with strong culture, known for its Native American history. With an unemployment rate of 4.8 %, the state of the economy relies heavily on the service industry which includes healthcare, retail, and finance; and agriculture, which is historically one of the major contributors to the state's economy. The state is also home to several national parks and monuments including the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The per capita income for the state was $37,375 in 2008, which ranked 26th in the country.

The best cities for jobs in South Dakota include the most populous cites, Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Sioux Falls, the largest city in the state with a population of 158,008 in 2009, is the fastest growing metro area in the state. While the city was originally centered by agriculture-based industries, it has also developed large-based services in the finance, retail, and healthcare industries. Rapid City, the second largest city in the state, is a major medical care center for the surrounding states, and is also home to numerous higher education institutions. The city is rich in arts and culture and hosts numerous museums, arts centers, public sculptures and displays, theaters, and orchestras.

The fastest growing and biggest industries in South Dakota include the service sector and tourism, as a large part of the state's economy depends on tourism due to tourist attractions and natural resources. The service sector includes the retail, finance, and health care industries, so students looking to pursue careers in South Dakota should have good job opportunities if they study and earn degrees in management, finance and accounting, or health care. For those interested in careers in tourism, pursuing a degree in hospitality or hospitality management would be ideal.

South Dakota is home to a number of higher learning institutions including colleges, universities, and tribal institutions. The state is home to six public universities including South Dakota State University, which is located in Brookings and is the largest university in the state. Another public university, The University of South Dakota is the oldest university in the state and is also South Dakota's only law and medical school. South Dakota is also home to several private colleges and universities including Augustana College, Dakota Wesleyan University, National American University, and Presentation College.