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Finding the right college means finding the right fit for you—academically, socially, financially, and personally. There is no single "best" college, only the one that best matches your goals and interests.
The first step in finding the right college isn’t choosing a campus—it’s understanding which educational pathway best fits your goals.
Both South Dakota’s public universities and public technical colleges prepare students for rewarding careers. The best choice depends on your interests, career goals, preferred learning style, and the type of credential you’d like to earn.
Most future careers will require education or training beyond high school. South Dakota’s public universities and technical colleges provide high-quality, affordable education that can prepare you for rewarding careers—whether you choose a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, diploma, or certificate.
Finding the right college starts with getting to know yourself. As you begin exploring your options, ask yourself questions like:
You can get to know a college in a variety of ways, including in-person college events, visits with admissions representatives at your high school and at college fairs. Never hesitate to contact a college admissions representative to discuss opportunities to visit.
Each year college admissions representatives schedule visits to local high schools to talk with students. Take advantage of these opportunities to get a better feel for their college. Even if you get the sense that it’s not a good fit, you’ll be one step closer to knowing what type of college could work for you. Wondering when a college will visit your school? Either talk to your school representative or contact the college’s admissions representative directly.
A college fair is an event where representatives from colleges come to a school, convention center or other location to talk to high school students about the colleges they represent and answer questions. College fairs are offered throughout South Dakota every fall and spring. Take advantage of these opportunities to thoroughly explore and find colleges that meet your needs.
South Dakota’s state public technical colleges and universities host visit day events throughout the year. Some events are geared toward specific career fields and majors, while others are targeted at specific age groups, such as Junior Visit Day. (Click the technical college and university logos below to schedule individual campus visits.)
Pro Tip: If possible, visit at least two colleges before making your decision. Seeing a campus in person can help you determine whether it feels like the right fit.
Congratulations! You’ve scheduled an in-person campus visit.
Your goal is simple: determine whether this college feels like the right fit for you. Don’t worry if it feels a little overwhelming—you’ll be learning a lot in a short amount of time. Use the suggestions below to make the most of your visit.
Not sure what you want to study? Explore South Dakota’s degree programs and majors to discover academic pathways that align with your interests and career goals.
Understanding college costs can help you make an informed decision. Compare tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities across South Dakota’s public colleges and universities.
