Best Anthropology Schools in South Dakota (2026)

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South Dakota Anthropology At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Anthropology Salary $61,608
Salary Outlook South Dakota offers competitive wages for anthropology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body South Dakota Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online anthropology degree in South Dakota offers a flexible path into anthropology careers. South Dakota offers competitive wages for anthropology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, South Dakota students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Anthropology Schools in South Dakota

The following schools offer accredited online anthropology programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in South Dakota.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
68.3 BOC Score
Graduation rate 73%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,217
Avg net price $23,894/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 58

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
52.4 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 99%
Graduation rate 61%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $51,926
Avg net price $19,858/yr
Tuition
In‑state$9,432
Out‑of‑state$12,942
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 80%
  • Programs offered: 84

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

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Career Outlook and Salaries in South Dakota

Anthropology professionals in South Dakota experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for South Dakota.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (South Dakota)
Anthropologists and Archeologists $63,130
Curators $74,990
Social Science Research Assistants $44,820
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $63,490

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Anthropology Degree in South Dakota?

Choosing a program in South Dakota can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in South Dakota offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the South Dakota economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online anthropology programs in South Dakota accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Anthropology pay in South Dakota compare to other states?

South Dakota offers competitive wages for anthropology professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes South Dakota a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for anthropology in South Dakota?

The South Dakota Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in South Dakota. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Anthropology Programs by City in South Dakota

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Aberdeen · Brookings · Rapid City · Sioux Falls · Watertown


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