Best Instructional Design Schools in South Dakota (2026)

Updated September 5, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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South Dakota Instructional Design At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Instructional Design Salary $75,622
Salary Outlook South Dakota offers competitive wages for instructional design 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 instructional design degree in South Dakota offers a flexible path into instructional design careers. South Dakota offers competitive wages for instructional design 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 Instructional Design Schools in South Dakota

The following schools offer accredited online instructional design 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

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
55.7 BOC Score
Graduation rate 62%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $54,521
Avg net price $21,383/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 75%
  • Programs offered: 44

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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#3

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
48.7 BOC Score
Graduation rate 50%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $47,618
Avg net price $15,812/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 76%
  • Programs offered: 44

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in South Dakota

Instructional Design 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)
Instructional Coordinators $57,910
Training and Development Specialists $61,570
Training and Development Managers $124,150
Education Teachers, Postsecondary $63,350
Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $63,010
Education Administrators, Postsecondary $126,160
Farm and Home Management Educators $60,440
Graphic Designers $48,390

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

Why Pursue an Online Instructional Design 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 instructional design 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 Instructional Design pay in South Dakota compare to other states?

South Dakota offers competitive wages for instructional design 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 instructional design 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 Instructional Design 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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