What are some notable colleges in South Dakota?

I'm compiling a list of potential colleges to apply to, and I'm curious about South Dakota. I don't know much about schools there, so I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts on colleges in South Dakota that are worth looking into. Are there unique programs or a strong sense of community? Any feedback on what the student life is like would be greatly appreciated!

South Dakota might not be the first state that comes to mind when considering colleges, but it actually hosts a variety of interesting and worthwhile institutions.

1. University of South Dakota (USD): It's the oldest university in the state and offers a large variety of majors. If you're interested in law, it houses the state's only law school. Societal involvement is encouraged on campus, offering over 170 organizations for students to join.

2. South Dakota State University (SDSU): Located in Brookings, SDSU is known for its Agriculture, Nursing, and Engineering programs. The University is the state's largest, and it houses a Dairy Science Department which operates its own dairy bar, causing students to rave about the SDSU ice cream!

3. Dakota State University (DSU): Based in Madison, DSU stands out for its integration of technology across all disciplines. If you're interested in cyber operations, computer science, or any tech-related field, this could be a great place for you. Their cyber operations degree is recognized by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence.

4. Black Hills State University (BHSU): Located in Spearfish, it provides unique opportunities for outdoor exploration and research due to its vicinity to the Black Hills and the Badlands. The University is particularly known for education and business programs, and there's plenty of outdoor activities available in the Black Hills region.

5. Northern State University (NSU): NSU, located in Aberdeen, highlights personalized attention for students with a low student-to-faculty ratio. It offers a caring community with over 90 student organizations.

6. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDSM&T or Mine): Located in Rapid City, SDSM&T is an excellent choice if you're looking for a career in engineering or science. They have a very high job placement rate for graduates.

All these institutions have unique features and would bring different experiences. Speak to current students or alumni, visit campuses if you have the opportunity, and look at specific degree programs that interest you in order to gain a better understanding of what life at these schools might be like. I hope this gives you a good starting point for considering colleges in South Dakota!