South Dakota is home to many colleges and universities offering degrees in accounting. The following guide is designed to provide important information on these programs to help you make the right choice to reach your educational and career goals. Some schools offer online, hybrid, or accelerated programs, providing flexibility for working professionals. Those seeking CPA licensure will find degree programs catered specifically toward exam requirements.

Table of Contents

Comparison of South Dakota Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in South Dakota to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.

SchoolAccreditationAccounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate10Grad Rate1Avg Net Price1Median Debt*10Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry10
Augustana University—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
3+2 Accelerated BA-Accounting/MPAcc;
4+1 Accelerated BA-Accounting/MBA;
MPAcc		71.8%76%$23,843$25,000$53,641
Black Hills State University—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting		97.3%44%$16,782$26,000$42,217
Dakota State UniversityACBSPBBA-Accounting;
BS-Professional Accountancy;
Minor-Accounting;
Minor-Digital Accounting;
UG Cert-Digital Accounting		85.6%49%$17,977$23,500$45,973
Dakota Wesleyan University—BS-Accounting75.7%53%$19,825$27,000$49,821
Mount Marty University—BA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		67.4%57%$21,476$26,396$44,448
Northern State UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
MS-Accounting Analytics		79.8%51%$17,264$22,320$44,493
Sinte Gleska University—BBA-AccountingN.Av.10%$14,855N.Av.$21,742
University of Sioux FallsIACBEBA-Accounting;
BA-Professional Accounting and Business Administration;
Minor-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting Specialist;
UG Cert-Professional Accounting		76.7%59%$20,957$23,249$50,391
University of South Dakota—BBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated BBA/MAcc;
Accelerated BBA/MBA;
MAcc;
MAcc-Accounting Analytics;
MAcc-Business Management;
MAcc-Finance;
MAcc-Leadership		87.0%57%$18,378$23,592$49,034

Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on ​​National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.

Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in South Dakota

College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.

College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023

  • Augustana University (#219)2

US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023

  • Black Hills State University (#91 tie)5

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in South Dakota in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in South Dakota being 60.3%:

  1. Augustana University 91.7%
  2. Black Hills State University 70.6%
  3. Northern State University 48.0%
  4. University of Sioux Falls 47.1%

*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.

Schools in South Dakota with Accounting Degrees

To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in South Dakota, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Augustana University

Augustana University offers a traditional on-campus Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc). Graduates of this program are prepared to sit for the CPA exam and begin careers as public accountants and business leaders. The 30-credit program includes 21 credits of required courses, including Accounting Information Systems, Organizational Tax, and Auditing, as well as nine credits of elective courses like Ethical Leadership and Advanced Financing. In addition to a variety of business and accounting courses, students are encouraged to complete an internship to apply the principles learned in classes and give them a competitive advantage when applying for employment. Those already enrolled in Augustana’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting can complete the MPAcc concurrently in just five years through the 3+2 accelerated program. Students spend the first three years completing undergraduate work and the final two years working through the MPAcc. Graduates will have met the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam.

Online Accounting Programs in South Dakota

Northern State University

Northern State University’s (NSU) School of Business offers a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting Analytics that prepares students for careers in accounting and financial services, including financial analysis and forensic accounting. The ACBSP-accredited program can be completed either in-person or online for the working student who requires a more flexible academic schedule. Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge needed to succeed in public accounting through the acquisition of advanced and applied knowledge of financial and ethical principles. The 30-credit hour graduate curriculum can be earned in one year provided specific foundational prerequisite course requirements have been met and includes such courses as Advanced Income Tax; Managerial Accounting and Business Intelligence; and Accounting and Strategic Business Analysis. An MS in Banking and Financial Services is also available 100% online for students interested in financial management. Students can be admitted and begin coursework in any semester.

South Dakota CPA Requirements and Steps

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state, the South Dakota Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires applicants to complete 150 credits from an accredited university. There are seven main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in South Dakota.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Submit the Uniform CPA Initial Examination Application.
  3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
  5. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  6. Apply for the CPA Certificate.
  7. Receive a CPA Certificate.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.

The Board requires CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college education that includes the award of a bachelor’s or graduate degree in accounting or a substantial equivalent. All candidates must complete at least 24 semester hours of advanced accounting courses.

At least one course in each of the following subjects is also required:

  • Auditing
  • Cost accounting
  • Intermediate or advanced accounting
  • Taxation

In addition to accounting courses, 24 semester hours in business courses are also required.

2. Submit the Uniform CPA Initial Examination Application.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement for CPA licensure in all 50 states and is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Once the 150 hours of college education has been completed, candidates must submit the Uniform CPA Initial Examination Application to the Board. Candidates who have not completed the 150 hours of college education may apply within 100 days of their anticipated completion. Official transcripts from each school attended must accompany the application. The Board will forward eligibility determination to the NASBA National Candidate Database.

3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Once an Initial Examination Application is approved, the candidate will receive an Authorization to Test for the Uniform CPA Exam. Candidates will schedule and pay for the exam through the Prometric website; Prometric will forward exam results to the Board. All four sections of the exam must be passed within a 30-month rolling period to qualify for a license.

4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

The Board has adopted the AICPA Professional Ethics course to fulfill its pre-licensure ethics requirement. The course and accompanying exam are self-study and can be ordered through the AICPA website. Applicants must pass the ethics exam with a score of at least 90%. Note that candidates do not have to achieve a passing score on the Uniform CPA Exam prior to taking and passing the ethics exam.

5. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

Prospective South Dakota CPAs must earn at least one year (2,000 hours) of experience in accounting prior to becoming licensed. To work in attest services after licensure, the experience must include 375 work hours in audit, compilation, or review. For the 2,000-hour total, qualifying work includes audit, review, compilation, tax, management advisory or consulting, or academia utilizing accounting skills. The experience must be verified by the candidate’s supervisor/employer and a licensed CPA. Note that candidates working for a licensed CPA firm must obtain a CPA certificate within 90 days of meeting the experience requirement.

6. Apply for the CPA Certificate.

The Application for the CPA Certificate may be submitted to apply for a license once all licensing requirements are met. Candidates do not need to re-submit transcripts unless requested. Candidates must include proof of completion of the AICPA ethics course and exam and Certificate of Experience with the application form.

7. Receive a CPA Certificate.

Once Uniform CPA Exam scores have been received and the application packet is reviewed and approved by the Board, a CPA Certificate will be issued to applicants within 90 days.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

CPA licenses in South Dakota must be renewed annually between July 1 to June 30 each year. On the renewal form, continuing professional education (CPE) hours should be reported. Licensees must complete 120 hours of continuing education every three years, with a minimum of 20 CPE hours completed per year. While the 120-hour requirement does not start over every three years, it is figured on a rolling cycle. Therefore, licensees must have completed 120 hours when adding the current year and the previous two years. More information can be found on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in South Dakota

South Dakota accounting program graduates work in various roles in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors throughout the state. There are several companies in South Dakota where accounting degree holders may find employment, including Black Hills CPA Group in Rapid City, Daktronics in Brookings, and NorthWestern Energy in Sioux Falls. Financial institutions are also major employers in the state, including Plains Commerce Bank, Inc. and First Premier Bank. Some graduates may choose to work for state or local governments and others may find success with opening their own practice.

South Dakota Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Rapid City870$73,660
Sioux City IA-NE-SD560$73,690
Sioux Falls2,330$76,230

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in South Dakota

  • DeSmet and Biggs LLP: One of the largest CPA firms in western South Dakota, with offices in Rapid City.
  • Ketel Thorstenson, LLP: Established in 1936, this firm builds relationships with clients in Rapid City, Spearfish, and Custer.
  • Eide Bailly: One of the Top 25 CPA firms in the US, with over 40,000 clients supported by 1,200 professionals, this firm has offices in Aberdeen and Sioux Falls.

South Dakota Accounting Associations

  • South Dakota CPA Society (SDCPAS): This organization of CPA certificate holders provides service and support to its members through continuing education opportunities and advocacy.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, South Dakota: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sd.htm
13. South Dakota Board of Accountancy: https://dlr.sd.gov/accountancy/default.aspx