Best Online Education Programs in Brookings, SD (2026)
Brookings, South Dakota has a population of about 23,710. The city’s median household income is $61,979 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 49.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Brookings, with tuition ranging from $9,633 to $24,447 per year. In South Dakota, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $107,110 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Brookings
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Brookings city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota State University | Madison, SD | 25.7 mi | $9,633 - $24,447 | – |
| Dordt University | Sioux Center, IA | 90.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northwestern College | Orange City, IA | 97.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Dakota schools on the South Dakota education page.
Education Wages Near Brookings
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (South Dakota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $49,530 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $49,110 |
| Middle School Teacher | $49,720 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $62,120 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $85,080 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $107,110 |
| Tutor | $37,330 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $52,450 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Brookings at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,710 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $61,979 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 49.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Education-related employment in Brookings County | 123 workers, 28 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Brookings-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Watertown, SD – 45.7 mi away (21,788 pop)
- Sioux Falls, SD – 52.9 mi away (177,629 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Brookings, SD?
Our directory lists 3 education programs within 100 miles of Brookings. The closest is Dakota State University in Madison, SD (25.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Northwestern College (97.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles in South Dakota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying education-related roles in South Dakota are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($107,110), Education Administrator, K-12 ($85,080), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($62,120). Wages for Brookings workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Watertown instead of Brookings?
Watertown, SD is 45.7 miles from Brookings and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Brookings an affordable place to study education?
Brookings’s median household income of $61,979 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Brookings while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and South Dakota public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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