College Costs in Rapid City, SD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in Rapid City, South Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,090
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$46,309
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$722
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
Rapid City Overview
Population
77,503
Student Population
3,338 (4.3%)
Cost of Living Index
82 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
College Cost Calculator for Rapid City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,840
Total After Financial Aid
$101,840
Annual Cost
$25,460
Annual After Aid
$25,460
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,840 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,156 |
| Total Interest | $36,925 |
| Total Loan Cost | $138,765 |
Universities in Rapid City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota School of Mines & Technology | Public | $12,090 |
| Western Dakota Technical College | Community | $5,250 |
Rapid City has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Rapid City vs. National Average
| Category | Rapid City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,090 | $10,940 | +$1,150 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $722 | $1,050 | -$328 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82 | 100 | -18 |
Rapid City's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Rapid City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,338 students
Rapid City has a total population of 77,503, with approximately 3,338 college students (4.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Rapid City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Rapid City
$49,352
Starting Salary
6.6%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Rapid City earn a median starting salary of $49,352, which is $14,352 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,840 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,748 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities