13 Military Friendly Colleges in South Dakota

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Military Friendly Colleges in South Dakota

Funding for Military Friendly Colleges in South Dakota

There are many military friendly colleges in South Dakota. According to the VA, in 2022, 33 South Dakota schools got Post 9/11 GI bill funds for over 1,500 students totaling over $9 million dollars.

There are six active programs offering benefits for veterans’ education. If eligible, all of these may be used to help fund a college education.

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-AD)
  • Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

 

The most-used benefit program is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. At South Dakota colleges, 74% of the beneficiaries used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to help fund their education.

Military Program# of 2023 veterans eaRNING aid at South Dakota colleges
Post 9 / 111,314
MGIB – AD37
MIGB – SR456
REAP0
DEA374
VEAP0
TOTAL2,246

 

13 Military Friendly Colleges in South Dakota in 2024

These 13 military friendly colleges in South Dakota are listed based on the total amount of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits awarded in the 2022 / 2023 school year. All of the data cited from the National Center for Education Statistics. Some of these schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the colleges and the VA pay the tuition and mandatory fees not paid for by the GI Bill.

1South Dakota State University
1015 Campanile Ave | Brookings, SD 57007


South Dakota State University (SDSU) holds the distinction of being the nation’s ninth Purple Heart Campus.

Veterans qualify for transfer credits based on their military training. The retention rate for full-time students utilizing military benefits is 38%, while part-time students have a rate of 67%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,646
Grad: $2,854

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 165
Grad: 12

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 38%
Part Time: 67%

 

2Black Hills State University
1200 University St | Spearfish, SD 57799


Black Hills State University (BHSU) provides various services for service members, veterans, and their dependents. The Veterans Center serves as a hub for socializing and studying among veterans on campus. Additionally, the Yellow Jackets Vet Club assists veterans in transitioning into civilian and college life.

Veterans can receive transfer credits for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students utilizing military benefits is 92%, while part-time students have a rate of 67%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,535
Grad: $2,526

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 70
Grad: 5

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 92%
Part Time: 67%

3Dakota State University
820 N Washington Ave | Madison, SD 57042


DSU, recognized as another military-friendly college in South Dakota, acknowledges and appreciates the service of military and veteran students.

Veterans can access transfer credits for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 80%, while part-time students have a rate of 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,890
Grad: $5,360

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 80
Grad: 21

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 100%

4University of South Dakota
414 E. Clark St | Vermillion, SD 57069


At the University of South Dakota (USD), Veterans’ Services, housed within the Office of the Registrar, serves as a valuable resource for service members, veterans, and their families seeking education benefits. USD prioritizes various programs and services tailored to assist military and veteran students in transitioning to student life. These services include tutoring, peer mentoring, counseling, and the opportunity to engage through student veterans’ clubs.

Veterans qualify for transfer credits based on their military training. The retention rate for full-time students utilizing military benefits is 100%, while part-time students have a rate of 67%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,370
Grad: $11,725

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 108
Grad: 37

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 67%

5South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
501 E Saint Joseph St | Rapid City, SD 57701


The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) highly esteems military service and provides support through resources like the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), offering veterans a comfortable space to study and connect.

Veterans at SDSMT can benefit from transfer credits for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits is 80%, while part-time students have a rate of 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,118
Grad: $2,567

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 74
Grad: 64

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 100%

6Southeast Technical Institute
2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107


Southeast Technical Institute offers over 70 career-focused pathways in cutting-edge fields. One of its newer programs is Paramedic Science, granting an Associate of Applied Science. Additionally, there are 8-week online business courses available.

For military learners, STC is committed to offering financial aid solutions and supporting the use of VA education benefits. The school’s recognition as a Military Friendly School by militaryfriendly.com ensures additional support.

The Southeast Tech Veterans Resource Office serves as a starting point, providing a community space for Southeast Tech veterans and their families. It offers access to benefits, re-adjustment counseling, referral services, and more.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: N/A
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 2
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

8Western Dakota Technical Institute
800 Mickelson Drive, Rapid City, SD  57703


Western Dakota Technical College offers career focused degree programs. A few are EMT, auto tech, business, library tech, farm and ranch management and welding. Many students apply for federal financial aid to offset the cost of their studies.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,135
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 125
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 59%
Part Time: N/A

9Lake Area Technical Institute
PO Box 730, Watertown, SD 57201


Lake Area Technical College offers 30 academic programs and hybrid e-degrees which blend online and on campus learning. The school also provides veterans and their families a variety of on-campus services and benefits. These include the potential to get academic credit for your military experience,and a refunded application fee for veterans. Assistance with career services and using VA education benefits is also available.

On the social side, there are Veteran recognition events, a Veteran Ops Lounge and various Veteran activities throughout the year.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,908
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 28
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: N/A

10Mount Marty College
1105 W 8th St | Yankton, SD 57078


Mount Marty College (MTMC) provides dedicated support services for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, overseen by a designated point of contact.

MTMC is an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering up to $2,500 per year for 15 undergraduate students and 15 graduate students.

Veterans can benefit from transfer credits for military training at MTMC.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,521
Grad: $10,617

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 11
Grad: 5

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 72%
Part Time: 56%

11Northern State University
1200 S Jay Street | Aberdeen, SD 57401


Northern State University (NSU) offers resources to help meet the unique needs of military students. These include both active military personnel and veterans. These students have their own space at NSU in the Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC). Here, enjoy a quiet workspace, computers, TV, and coffee!

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,385
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 16
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

12Mitchell Technical Institute
1800 East Spruce Street, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301


Mitchell Technical College opened in September 1968 as part of a statewide system of four technical colleges. The school now offers on campus and online programs in construction, health sciences, business, engineering and more.

To offset the costs of study, you could find out how to apply for VA benefits. There is a VA Certifying Official on campus. Mitchell Tech has also signed the principles of excellence to serve veterans and military personnel using a standardized form.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,314
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 42
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

13Oglala Lakota College
490 Piya Wiconi Road | Kyle, SD 57752


Similar to other military-friendly colleges in South Dakota, Oglala Lakota College (OLC) provides dedicated support services overseen by a designated point of contact. These services aim to assist veterans, military service members, and their families.

Veterans at OLC may qualify for transfer credits based on their military training. The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $1,430
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 6
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: N/A

Does the military cover 100% of college expenses?

Yes, the program is available for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members, covering up to 100% of college tuition. It applies to undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational and technical programs, as well as distance learning classes.

How can one get free college in the military?

Utilize the GI Bill. This program assists current and former soldiers in covering college, trade school, technical school, licensing, certification programs, on-the-job training, online schooling, and more. Many soldiers using the GI Bill receive full tuition for their service.

Will the military fund 4 years of college?

The Military Tuition Assistance Program pays active-duty service members up to 100% of tuition expenses, capped at $250 per credit. Over 1,900 colleges offer service members and their families opportunities to complete college degrees despite a mobile military lifestyle.

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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