College & Education in South Dakota

14 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in South Dakota

South Dakota circuit courts hear family matters in each of its seven judicial circuits. The Division of Child Support operates under DSS. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the largest cities. Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services provide civil legal aid statewide (with special mandates serving tribal communities).

14 Resources

1. South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship — Free

Merit-based scholarship for South Dakota high school graduates attending eligible in-state colleges and universities. The scholarship rewards students who complete a rigorous high school curriculum and enroll within a set timeframe. Fathers helping teens apply can review requirements and submit documentation through the Pierre coordinating office. Bring transcripts, test scores, and acceptance letters when verifying eligibility.

(605) 773-3134 · 306 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

2. FAFSA — South Dakota — Free

Federal student aid application for Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study for South Dakota students. Fathers going back to school, or helping a child apply, can complete the FAFSA free online. Gather Social Security numbers, recent tax returns, W-2s, and a list of schools you may attend before starting. The federal help line assists applicants with technical issues and verification questions during business hours.

(800) 433-3243 · Online application · 24/7 online · Visit Website

3. South Dakota Board of Regents — Free

Oversees public universities and administers select financial aid and scholarship programs across South Dakota from its Pierre office. The Board coordinates admissions policy, tuition, and academic programs at state universities. Fathers researching options for themselves or their kids can find program guides and scholarship lists on the agency's site. Visit the Capitol Avenue office weekdays for questions about statewide higher education.

(605) 773-3455 · 306 E Capitol Ave Suite 200, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. South Dakota State University — Paid

Four-year public university in Brookings offering flexible degree programs, online options, and extension services suited to working parents. SDSU admits traditional and nontraditional students across agriculture, engineering, health, education, and liberal arts. Fathers returning to school can connect with financial aid and advising staff. Bring transcripts, a completed FAFSA, and any prior credit records when meeting with admissions.

(605) 688-4121 · Administration Ln, Brookings, SD 57007 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. University of South Dakota — Paid

Comprehensive university in Vermillion offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs including law and medicine. USD supports nontraditional students through online programs and transfer pathways. Fathers balancing work and family can meet with admissions and financial aid staff at the Clark Street campus. Bring transcripts, a completed FAFSA, and any prior credit records when scheduling an advising appointment.

(605) 677-5011 · 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Southeast Technical College — Paid

Two-year degrees, certificates, and short-term workforce training offered by Southeast Tech in Sioux Falls. Programs target high-demand fields such as healthcare, trades, information technology, and business. Fathers seeking a career change can meet with admissions staff on the Career Avenue campus. Bring transcripts, a completed FAFSA, and any work history when applying. Financial aid and scholarships may be available for qualifying students.

(605) 367-7624 · 2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. South Dakota GED Program — Free

Free GED preparation and testing for adults completing high school equivalency in South Dakota, coordinated by the Department of Education. Classes are offered through local adult education centers statewide. Fathers working toward a GED can call for nearby class sites, orientation dates, and testing information. Bring photo ID, Social Security number, and any prior school records to intake for placement and study planning.

(605) 773-3134 · Multiple locations statewide · Varies · Visit Website

8. Pell Grant — South Dakota Students — Free

Federal need-based grant for low-income undergraduate students attending college, including South Dakotans at public, private, and tribal institutions. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid. Fathers returning to school can apply by completing the FAFSA. Gather Social Security number, tax returns, W-2s, and a list of schools before starting. The federal help line answers questions about eligibility and award timing weekdays.

(800) 433-3243 · Online application · 24/7 online · Visit Website

9. Northern State University — Paid

Affordable four-year university in Aberdeen offering degrees on campus and online through its eLearning program. NSU emphasizes teacher preparation, business, and liberal arts and serves many nontraditional students. Fathers pursuing degrees while working can meet with admissions at the Jay Street campus. Bring transcripts, a completed FAFSA, and any prior credit records when scheduling admissions or financial aid appointments.

(605) 626-3011 · 1200 S Jay St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Black Hills State University — Paid

Public university in Spearfish offering flexible undergraduate and graduate programs suited to working parents in western South Dakota. BHSU emphasizes education, business, and environmental sciences alongside online options. Fathers returning to school can contact the admissions office at the University Street campus. Bring transcripts, a completed FAFSA, and any prior credit records when scheduling advising or financial aid appointments.

(605) 642-6011 · 1200 University St, Spearfish, SD 57799 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Dakota State University — Paid

Technology-focused university in Madison with strong online degree options in computer science, cyber operations, and analytics. DSU serves both on-campus and distance students, making it a fit for working fathers pursuing tech careers. Bring transcripts, a completed FAFSA, and any prior credit records when meeting admissions or financial aid staff. Scholarships for in-demand fields may be available through department contacts.

(605) 256-5111 · 820 N Washington Ave, Madison, SD 57042 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Mitchell Technical College — Paid

Hands-on technical programs and certificates for workforce preparation offered by Mitchell Tech in Mitchell, South Dakota. Fields include energy, construction, healthcare, and agriculture technology. Fathers seeking job-focused training can visit the Spruce Street campus for admissions and financial aid. Bring transcripts, a completed FAFSA, and any work history when applying. Short-term certificates can lead to industry-recognized credentials.

(605) 995-3023 · 1800 E Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Lake Area Technical College — Paid

Affordable career-focused programs for students in northeast South Dakota offered by Lake Area Tech in Watertown. Programs emphasize high-demand trades, healthcare, and technical fields with strong job placement rates. Fathers can meet admissions and financial aid staff on the Arrow Avenue campus. Bring transcripts, a completed FAFSA, and any prior credit records. Scholarships and employer partnerships may help reduce overall costs.

(605) 882-5284 · 1201 Arrow Ave, Watertown, SD 57201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Sinte Gleska University — Paid

Tribal university on the Rosebud Reservation in Mission, South Dakota offering accredited associate, bachelor, and graduate degrees rooted in Lakota culture and language. Sinte Gleska serves tribal and nontribal students across fields including education, human services, and business. Fathers pursuing a degree can meet admissions staff at the Antelope Lake Circle campus. Bring transcripts, tribal documentation if applicable, and FAFSA info.

(605) 856-8100 · 101 Antelope Lake Circle, Mission, SD 57555 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.