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Best test-optional colleges in South Dakota

Colleges that don't require the SAT or ACT for admission, ranked by Compass Score.

Best test-optional colleges in South Dakota10 schools

10 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.

How this list is made

  • Schools in South Dakota.
  • Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
  • Admission test policy: considered but not required, or neither required nor recommended (federal admissions data).
  • Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
  • Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

  1. 1

    Augustana University

    Sioux Falls, SD · Private nonprofit

    #1 in South Dakota

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 73% graduate
  2. 2

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Rapid City, SD · Public

    #2 in South Dakota

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 53% graduate
  3. 3

    South Dakota State University

    Brookings, SD · Public

    #3 in South Dakota

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 62% graduate
  4. 4

    University of South Dakota

    Vermillion, SD · Public

    #4 in South Dakota

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 60% graduate
  5. 5

    Mount Marty University

    Yankton, SD · Private nonprofit

    #5 in South Dakota

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 52% graduate
  6. 6

    University of Sioux Falls

    Sioux Falls, SD · Private nonprofit

    #6 in South Dakota

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 63% graduate
  7. 7

    Dakota State University

    Madison, SD · Public

    Good: Compass grade B

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 51% graduate
  8. 8

    Northern State University

    Aberdeen, SD · Public

    #8 in South Dakota

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 49% graduate
  9. 9

    Dakota Wesleyan University

    Mitchell, SD · Private nonprofit

    Good: Compass grade B-

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 48% graduate
  10. 10

    Black Hills State University

    Spearfish, SD · Public

    Solid: Compass grade C+

    • SAT or ACT not required
    • 43% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

SchoolNet price a yearMedian debtEarnings 10 years outGraduation rate
Augustana University$23,894$25,000$59,21773%
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology$20,183$27,000$72,25753%
South Dakota State University$19,841$23,250$55,07062%
University of South Dakota$19,858$23,592$51,92660%
Mount Marty University$22,227$26,396$48,17952%
University of Sioux Falls$21,383$23,249$54,52163%
Dakota State University$21,057$23,500$50,97051%
Northern State University$15,812$22,320$47,61849%
Dakota Wesleyan University$19,735$27,000$53,72848%
Black Hills State University$15,911$26,000$46,67443%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

This list in other states

The national list → · All top school lists →

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