Best AI Degree Programs in South Dakota: 2026 Rankings
31 AI and machine learning programs at 7 schools in South Dakota.
Updated
The strongest AI programs in South Dakota on this list are led by Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and Lake Area Technical College. Schools are ordered using our ranking for South Dakota, drawn from 31 programs at 7 schools.
Best AI programs in South Dakota
Rank
School
Location
1
Dakota State University
Madison, SD
2
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD
3
Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, SD
4
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
5
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
6
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD
7
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD
School names are plain text in the table. Profiles and write-ups are below when available.
How we ranked this list
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (30%), student outcomes (25%), curriculum (25%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 85% of programs on this list have full scoring data. Read the full ranking methodology.
Top schools in South Dakota
Each school lists a quick overview (program, estimated cost, format) plus a short program summary with links to official school pages and related program paths. Tuition figures are published estimates—confirm current totals on the school’s program page before you apply.
1
Dakota State University
Madison, SD
Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: $44,856 (~$374/credit)
Credits: 120
Best for: federal & military jobs and cyber AI
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD, CAE-R, CAE-CO)
Program summary
It’s built as a dedicated undergraduate AI major—confirm direct-admit rules and whether students can transfer in after a general first year. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives. Plan on roughly 4 years.
BS in Computer Science — Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialization
Overview
Availability: Varies
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within a bachelor's
Program summary
Expect the parent degree’s core plus an AI-focused set of electives—confirm how many credits must be AI-labeled before you treat it as an AI credential. AI is a CS concentration—not a standalone AI bachelor's.
Home unit: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Course map: curriculum bulletin.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery
Program summary
Students looking at Watertown will find Lake Area Technical College on this list. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. This is a broader degree, not a standalone AI program.
Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: 39
Best for: Working adults comparing this online AI/ML path on cost and fit
Program summary
University of South Dakota is based in Vermillion. Positioned as an AI/ML program on paper; verify labs, final projects, and math required courses match the intensity you want. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives.
Master's in Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: On campus
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: Data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration
Program summary
Named as an AI or ML degree—use the course list to separate theory-heavy terms from tool-focused applied semesters. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. AI/ML is a concentration on a data science or analytics master's—not a standalone AI degree.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery (University of Sioux Falls)
Program summary
Start with University of Sioux Falls if this ranking angle matches your goals. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. This is a broader degree, not a standalone AI program.
On this state ranking, Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and Lake Area Technical College appear near the top. We list 7 schools offering AI programs in South Dakota. Confirm format and admissions on each school site.
How many AI programs are in South Dakota?
About 31 AI programs at 7 schools show up for South Dakota on this list. Confirm current offerings on each school site.
Online or campus?
Both can appear on state lists. Check each program’s delivery format and any required campus visits.
How does AIDegrees rank these programs?
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (30%), student outcomes (25%), curriculum (25%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 85% of programs on this list have full scoring data. See the full ranking methodology for weights and data sources.
State list or overall ranking?
Use both—state lists help with in-state tuition and local networks; overall lists compare research strength and online options.
