The Best Business Programs Near South Dakota for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Programs Near South Dakota
- Creighton University ranks #1 near South Dakota on a 90.8 Program Score, with an 83% graduation rate.
- The hardest to get into is Minnesota State University Moorhead (#4), which admits 59% of applicants.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, University of Nebraska at Omaha, ranks #10.
- Programs analyzed in South Dakota
- 77
- Schools ranked
- 10
- Ranked schools in SD
- 0
- Farthest school
- 227 mi
No business school in South Dakota has a complete record in the federal data this site ranks on yet: a graduation rate, an admissions figure, a published price, and a program we could describe from the school's own page. So this list looks past the state line: it ranks the ten closest schools that do have one, in Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, and Minnesota, for ten in all, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes.
Creighton University leads with a 90.8 Program Score and an 83% graduation rate. The nearest school from beyond the state line is Dordt University (Sioux Center, IA), about 133 miles from South Dakota; the farthest, Hastings College (Hastings, NE), is about 227 miles away.
Business Programs Near South Dakota, Compared by Score
Creighton leads at 90.8, and Nebraska at Omaha closes the chart at 68.2. Longer bars rank higher.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Programs Near South Dakota
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Business Programs Near South Dakota, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Business Programs Near South Dakota, ranked by outcomes.
Creighton University
Omaha, NE · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 83%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Creighton University graduates 83% of its students, above the 61% average across this ranking, on a 90.8 Program Score.
- Program Score 90.8, #1 of 10
- 83% graduation rate
- Top graduation rate on this list
Creighton University is a private, nonprofit institution in Omaha, NE. Its Business program ranks #1 of the 10 analyzed here with a 90.8 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 75.4 group average. The program graduates 83% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Creighton University admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 73% average for the group. That is more open than the 59% rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. The university enrolls 8,581 students overall.
For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Dordt University
Sioux Center, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 68%
- In-state
- $36,400
- Out-of-state
- $36,400
Dordt University graduates 70% of its students, above the 61% average across this ranking, on an 81.7 Program Score.
- Program Score 81.7, #2 of 10
- 70% graduation rate
- $36,400 tuition
- Admits just 68% of applicants
Dordt University is a private, nonprofit institution in Sioux Center, IA. Its Business program ranks #2 of the 10 analyzed here with an 81.7 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.4 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 70% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Dordt University admits 68% of applicants, more selective than the 73% average for the group. That is more open than the 59% rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,952 students.
On cost, Dordt University charges $36,400 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,758 at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 67%
- Admit rate
- 75%
- In-state
- $19,940
- Out-of-state
- $19,940
At $19,940 a year in-state, University of Mary is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 79.6 Program Score on a 67% graduation rate.
- Program Score 79.6, #3 of 10
- 67% graduation rate
- $19,940 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Bismarck, ND, University of Mary is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #3 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 79.6 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.4 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 67% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. University of Mary admits 75% of applicants, less selective than the 73% average for the group. That is more open than the 59% rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 3,861 students.
On cost, University of Mary charges $19,940 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,758 at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN · Public
- Grad rate
- 57%
- Admit rate
- 59%
- In-state
- $8,838
- Out-of-state
- $8,838
At $8,838 a year in-state, Minnesota State University Moorhead is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 75.7 Program Score on a 57% graduation rate.
- Program Score 75.7, #4 of 10
- 57% graduation rate
- $8,838 tuition
- Most selective program here
Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #4 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 75.7 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.4 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 57% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits 59% of applicants, more selective than the 73% average for the group. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. The university enrolls 4,386 students overall.
On cost, Minnesota State University Moorhead charges $8,838 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,758 at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Concordia University-Nebraska
Seward, NE · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 65%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $39,800
- Out-of-state
- $39,800
Concordia University-Nebraska graduates 65% of its students, above the 61% average across this ranking, on a 72.7 Program Score.
- Program Score 72.7, #5 of 10
- 65% graduation rate
- $39,800 tuition
- Admits just 86% of applicants
Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University-Nebraska is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #5 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 72.7 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.4 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 65% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Concordia University-Nebraska admits 86% of applicants, less selective than the 73% average for the group. That is more open than the 59% rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 3,479 students.
On cost, Concordia University-Nebraska charges $39,800 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,758 at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 45%
- Admit rate
- 62%
- In-state
- $8,840
- Out-of-state
- $8,840
At $8,840 a year in-state, Southwest Minnesota State University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 72.5 Program Score on a 45% graduation rate.
- Program Score 72.5, #6 of 10
- 45% graduation rate
- $8,840 tuition
- Online option available
Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution in Marshall, MN. Its Business program ranks #6 of the 10 analyzed here with a 72.5 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.4 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 45% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Southwest Minnesota State University admits 62% of applicants, more selective than the 73% average for the group. That is more open than the 59% rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. The university enrolls 8,214 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Southwest Minnesota State University charges $8,840 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,758 at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Concordia College at Moorhead
Moorhead, MN · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 63%
- In-state
- $30,400
- Out-of-state
- $30,400
Concordia College at Moorhead graduates 61% of its students, above the 61% average across this ranking, on a 72.5 Program Score.
- Program Score 72.5, #7 of 10
- 61% graduation rate
- $30,400 tuition
- Admits just 63% of applicants
Concordia College at Moorhead is a private, nonprofit institution in Moorhead, MN. Its Business program ranks #7 of the 10 analyzed here with a 72.5 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.4 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 61% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Concordia College at Moorhead admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 73% average for the group. That is more open than the 59% rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,935 students.
On cost, Concordia College at Moorhead charges $30,400 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,758 at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Northwestern College
Orange City, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 66%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $36,400
- Out-of-state
- $36,400
Northwestern College graduates 66% of its students, above the 61% average across this ranking, on a 71.0 Program Score.
- Program Score 71.0, #8 of 10
- 66% graduation rate
- $36,400 tuition
- Admits just 80% of applicants
Based in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #8 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 71.0 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.4 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 66% of its students, above the 61% average across the ranked schools. Northwestern College admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 73% average for the group. That is more open than the 59% rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,705 students.
On cost, Northwestern College charges $36,400 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,758 at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Hastings College
Hastings, NE · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $35,990
- Out-of-state
- $35,990
Hastings College ranks #9 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 69.5 Program Score and a 49% graduation rate.
- Program Score 69.5, #9 of 10
- 49% graduation rate
- $35,990 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Based in Hastings, NE, Hastings College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #9 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 69.5 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.4 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. Hastings College admits 72% of applicants, more selective than the 73% average for the group. That is more open than the 59% rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 956 students.
On cost, Hastings College charges $35,990 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,758 at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE · Public
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $6,758
- Out-of-state
- $21,246
At $6,758 a year in-state, University of Nebraska at Omaha is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 68.2 Program Score on a 47% graduation rate.
- Program Score 68.2, #10 of 10
- 47% graduation rate
- $6,758 in-state vs $21,246 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
University of Nebraska at Omaha is a public institution in Omaha, NE. Its Business program ranks #10 of the 10 analyzed here with a 68.2 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.4 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 61% average across the ranked schools. University of Nebraska at Omaha admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 73% average for the group. That is more open than the 59% rate at Minnesota State University Moorhead, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 45% to 83%. The university enrolls 14,972 students overall.
On cost, University of Nebraska at Omaha charges $6,758 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $21,246 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,758 at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska. The spread makes the program a clearer value for NE residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Programs Near South Dakota
The median school on this list graduates 63% of its students. The highest rates belong to Creighton University (83%) and Dordt University (70%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Creighton University83% graduation rate
- #2 Dordt University70% graduation rate
- #3 University of Mary67% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Programs Near South Dakota?
Every school here that reports an admit rate takes at least half of its applicants; the median is 74%.
- #4 Minnesota State University Moorhead59% admitted
- #6 Southwest Minnesota State University62% admitted
- #7 Concordia College at Moorhead63% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Programs Near South Dakota
This list holds 3 public and 7 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 72.5 public and 72.7 private nonprofit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Where the Business Programs Near South Dakota Are
The 10 ranked schools are spread across 8 cities. Moorhead (2) and Omaha (2) are the only ones with more than one ranked school.
Main campus city as reported to IPEDS.
Campus Size Across the Business Programs Near South Dakota
Enrollment on this list runs from 956 at Hastings College to 14,972 at University of Nebraska at Omaha. Of the 10, 7 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Programs Near South Dakota Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Creighton UniversityCreighton | $125,733 | $32,456 |
| #2 | Dordt UniversityDordt | $77,629 | $25,944 |
| #4 | Minnesota State University MoorheadMinnesota State University Moorhead | $67,054 | $17,601 |
| #6 | Southwest Minnesota State UniversitySouthwest Minnesota State | $58,574 | $16,501 |
| #8 | Northwestern CollegeNorthwestern College | $59,192 | $24,716 |
| #9 | Hastings CollegeHastings College | $64,708 | $22,320 |
Graduates of Creighton earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $125,733; the lowest figure here is $58,574 at Southwest Minnesota State.
Creighton leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $16,501 a year at Southwest Minnesota State to $32,456 at Creighton.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
How Far the Business Programs Near South Dakota Are
Distances are straight-line miles from South Dakota, measured from the average location of South Dakota's business schools in federal records, so the drive is longer. Dordt University in Sioux Center, IA is about 133 miles away; Northwestern College in Orange City, IA is about 140 miles away; Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN is about 146 miles away; Concordia University-Nebraska in Seward, NE is about 218 miles away; University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, NE is about 223 miles away; Creighton University in Omaha, NE is about 224 miles away; University of Mary in Bismarck, ND is about 224 miles away; Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN is about 225 miles away; Concordia College at Moorhead in Moorhead, MN is about 225 miles away; Hastings College in Hastings, NE is about 227 miles away.
For a residential degree the distance matters less than residency: a public school across the state line charges South Dakota students its out-of-state rate unless a regional exchange applies, so read the out-of-state column on each card before comparing prices.
What the Business Programs Near South Dakota Cost
Undergraduate in-state tuition on this list runs from $6,758 a year at University of Nebraska at Omaha to $39,800 at Concordia University-Nebraska, before aid. Over a four-year bachelor's that is roughly $27,032 against $159,200 in tuition alone.
Master's rows show no price: the federal tuition figure for those schools is the undergraduate rate, so ask each graduate business office for its per-credit rate instead.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Studying Business Online From South Dakota
Two of the ranked schools (University of Mary and Southwest Minnesota State University) run a confirmed online option. An accredited online degree carries the same standing as the campus one, since accreditation attaches to the school rather than the format, and for a student in South Dakota it removes the distance on this list entirely.
- #3 University of MaryBismarck, ND
- #6 Southwest Minnesota State UniversityMarshall, MN
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions About Business Programs Near South Dakota
What is the best business school near South Dakota?
By Program Score, Creighton University (Omaha, NE) ranks first, with a 90.8 score. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes from federal data, so it rewards a school that does all four well rather than one that wins on price alone.
How many business programs are there in South Dakota?
77 accredited bachelor's and master's business programs in South Dakota report to IPEDS. None has yet reported the complete record needed to rank, which is why this list adds the nearest schools beyond the state line.
What is the closest ranked business school to South Dakota?
Outside South Dakota, Dordt University (Sioux Center, IA) is the nearest school with a complete record, about 133 straight-line miles from South Dakota.
Can I study business online from South Dakota?
Yes. Two of the ten schools on this list offer the program online, including University of Mary and Southwest Minnesota State University. Accreditation attaches to the school, not the format, so the online degree carries the same standing.