University of South Dakota – Beacom School of Business
Overview
The Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota (USD), located in Vermillion, offers one of the state’s most respected MBA programs. USD’s MBA program is AACSB accredited and focuses on strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership. The program is available in both on-campus and online formats, making it accessible to working professionals across the state and beyond. Students can specialize in areas such as business analytics, finance, health services administration, and marketing. Beacom’s close partnerships with regional businesses and industries provide students with numerous opportunities for internships, networking, and post-graduation employment. The flexibility and affordability of USD’s MBA program make it a popular choice for professionals looking to advance their careers in fields like healthcare, finance, and government.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~120 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 550 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Sanford Health, First Premier Bank, Daktronics, Raven Industries, Citibank
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- James Abbott: Former President of the University of South Dakota
- Dusty Johnson: U.S. Congressman for South Dakota
- Dennis Daugaard: Former Governor of South Dakota
- Dan Kirby: CEO of First Dakota National Bank
South Dakota State University – College of Business and Economics
Overview
South Dakota State University (SDSU), located in Brookings, offers a flexible MBA program through its College of Business and Economics. The SDSU MBA program is designed for both recent graduates and working professionals seeking to advance their business careers. The program is available in on-campus, hybrid, and fully online formats, allowing students to tailor their studies to fit their personal and professional schedules. SDSU’s MBA curriculum focuses on leadership, data-driven decision-making, and business strategy, with specializations in areas such as business analytics, innovation, and finance. The school has strong connections to regional industries, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing, providing students with internship and job opportunities in these fields.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~80 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 540 (GMAT waivers available)
- Top Hiring Companies: 3M, Daktronics, Sanford Health, POET, Wells Fargo
- Average Starting Salary: $78,000
Notable Alumni
- Barry Dunn: President of South Dakota State University
- Greg Carmichael: CEO of Fifth Third Bank
- Michael Huether: Former Mayor of Sioux Falls
- Paul Christensen: Vice President at Wells Fargo
Dakota State University – College of Business and Information Systems
Overview
Dakota State University (DSU), located in Madison, South Dakota, offers an MBA program that focuses on the intersection of business and technology. DSU’s MBA is designed for professionals seeking to develop expertise in business administration with a strong emphasis on information systems, cybersecurity, and data analytics. The program is available entirely online, providing flexibility for working professionals who want to advance their careers while balancing other commitments. DSU’s MBA curriculum covers core business topics such as financial management, marketing, and leadership, while integrating advanced courses in information technology and data-driven decision-making. The program is well-suited for students interested in tech-related industries or roles that require a deep understanding of digital business environments.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average GMAT Score: 530 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Sanford Health, Daktronics, Raven Industries, First Premier Bank, U.S. Department of Defense
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
Notable Alumni
- Pam Roberts: Former South Dakota Secretary of Labor
- Kevin Killough: Director of Information Technology at Sanford Health
- John Thune: U.S. Senator for South Dakota
- David Zolnowsky: Executive Director of the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications
Black Hills State University – School of Business
Overview
Black Hills State University (BHSU), located in Spearfish, offers a highly affordable MBA program that caters to professionals seeking to develop their leadership and business management skills. BHSU’s MBA program is available both on-campus and online, providing flexibility for students who need to balance their studies with other responsibilities. The program emphasizes practical business applications, leadership development, and strategic thinking. With small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, BHSU’s MBA program provides a supportive learning environment. The school’s location near the Black Hills region also provides unique opportunities for students interested in industries such as tourism, healthcare, and natural resource management.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~40 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average GMAT Score: 520 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Monument Health, Black Hills Energy, Regional Health, Sanford Health, Rapid City Regional Airport
- Average Starting Salary: $70,000
Notable Alumni
- Kristi Noem: Governor of South Dakota
- Kevin Woster: Journalist and Political Commentator
- Lyle Hare: Founder of Hare Construction
- Brad Tietz: Vice President at Monument Health