What You Should Know About Graduating From Community College in South Dakota
Choosing your career path at a community college impacts your job outlook and career potential. Based on 2021 wage data, the top five highest-paying careers with an associate degree requirement in South Dakota were funeral home managers, radiation therapists, dental hygienists, air traffic controllers, and engineering technologists.
The number of available jobs is also an important factor to consider. In South Dakota, the top five careers requiring an associate degree with the most job openings are preschool teachers (except special education), agricultural and food science technicians, computer network support specialists, radiologic technologists, and paralegals and legal assistants.
Not all jobs for people with associate degrees are increasing in South Dakota. The careers that are predicted to have no job growth include air traffic controllers, broadcast technicians, and human resources assistants (except payroll and timekeeping).
What’s Next?
Below is a list of state and federal resources that can help you find financial aid opportunities that are available to students earning an associate degree in South Dakota.
- South Dakota Board of Regents. Visit the South Dakota Board of Regents for information on tuition, including reduced tuition for qualified students. You can also find information on scholarships and other state financial aid options.
- Federal Student Aid. More than $120 billion in loan, work-study, and grant money is distributed by the office of Federal Student Aid every year. Visit FAFSA4caster to check your eligibility, and fill out the online FAFSA form when you’re ready to apply for federal financial aid.
- CareerOneStop. For information on scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial aid options, visit CareerOneStop. You can filter options based on the type of degree and location.