10 Best Trade Schools inSouth Dakota

1Lake Area Technical Instutite

Lake Area Technical Institute is a prominent professional facility offering a number of programs for people who want to acquire specific skills.

This college was established in 1965, with over 22,000 graduates since then.

Here are some intriguing college stats.

• 99 percent of their students are currently employed
• 81% of their graduates have remained to work in Dakota

So, they not only produce excellent sector expertise, but they help the state boost its economy and income rate.

They have an advanced, dynamic curriculum, and are simply top quality.

Enrollment: All applicants must provide proof of education – a high school diploma or GED. They also must submit their ACT or ACCUPLACER test scores.

Fees: Tuition costs vary from $160 to $1,000 per year, depending on the selected course. There’s also a non-refundable $25 application fee.

The school offers the following courses:

The school offers an abundance of courses, some of which include:

• Agri-Business Option
• Agri-Business E-Degree
• Agri-Production Option
• Commodity Merchandising Option
• Commodity Merchandising E-Degree
• Dairy Option
• General Science Dual Degree
• Livestock Production and Management Option
• Livestock Production and Management E-Degree
• Precision Technology Option
• Light Duty Diesel Option
• Light Duty Diesel Certificate for Diesel Grads
• Diesel Technology for Automotive Grads
• Aviation Maintenance
• Professional Fixed Wing Pilot
• Entrepreneurship Option
• Entrepreneurship E-Degree
• Entrepreneurship Third Year Option
• Human Resource Option
• Human Resource E-Degree
• Marketing/Management Option
• Marketing/Management E-Degree
• Photography/Media Option
• Photography/Media E-Degree
• Nursing Hybrid E-Degree Options
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Physical Therapist Assistant

Contact:

• Lake Area Technical Institute
• Address:  1201 Arrow Ave, Watertown, SD 57201
• Phone: 1-800-657-4344
• Website: https://www.lakeareatech.edu

2South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was originally founded over a hundred years ago, in 1885.

Mining is a huge industry in South Dakota, so the school wanted to educate future generations of mining experts.

This university is one of the most renowned in the nation when it comes to this particular area of expertise.

The curriculum focuses on hands-on learning and is very extensive and dynamic.

It’s virtually impossible not to find a secure job with a diploma from this school.

The school also has very small class sizes, up to 23 people per class, because that allows for a more personalized approach to teaching and learning.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Must send official SAT scores
• Must be a legal US citizen

Fees: The tuition fees for their courses are $14,580. There is also a $20 application fee.

The school offers the following courses:

• Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
• Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Business Management in Technology
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Geological Engineering
• Geology (and Paleontology)
• Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Physics
• Health Sciences (IS-HLTH)
• Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

Contact:

• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
• Address: 501 E. Saint Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 57701
• Phone: 605-394-2511
• Website: https://www.sdsmt.edu/

3AETech Electrical Training Center

The AETech Electrical Training Center offers electrical training to individuals who’d like to become a part of this industry.

This school offers some of the most affordable courses, making it easily accessible.

Class sizes are small to medium, with approximately 25-30 students per class.

For the corresponding courses, all graduates will obtain a certificate upon completion.

This school also offers students aid programs including:

• Veteran Funding
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act
• Limited Student In-house Loans from AETech

AETech Electrical Training Center’s staff is comprised of experienced individuals who want to help students grow, develop their skills, and further their careers.

Enrollment: Contact the school via the phone number below to get further information about admission requirements.

Fees: Tuition fees for each of the courses go as follows:

• Electrical Apprentice Training Program – Contact their admissions office for further information
• Journeymen – $950
• Master/Contractors – $950

The school offers the following courses:

• Electrical Apprentice Training Program
• Journeymen
• Contractors

Contact:

• AETech Electrical Training Center
• Address: 320 East Blvd North, Suite 100, Rapid City, SD, 57701
• Phone: 605-342-9088
• Website: https://aetech.com/

4Hot Rod Institute

Hot Rod Institute has been around for a while now, successfully teaching and producing prospective industry professionals.

The hot rod and restoration industry has become a very lucrative industry with many job opportunities.

Shops all over the country are in high demand for specialized hot rod workers.

Another amazing thing about this institution is the fact that they want to provide affordable, high-quality education to everyone, so their course prices are very competitive.

They also advocate smaller class sizes because they are confident that that form of learning yields much better results.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Must complete an admission interview
• Must pay an application fee

Fees: The tuition fees start at $300, but may vary on the selected course. Contact the school’s admission department to get further information about tuition costs for respective courses.

The school offers the following courses:

• Hot Rod Chassis
• Hot Rod Body
• Metal Shaping
• Hot Rod Body Advanced
• Advanced Metal Shaping
• Hot Rod Upholstery
• Hot Rod Refinishing
• Hot Rod Performance

Contact:

• Hot Rod Institute
• Address: 2402 N Maple Ave Rapid City, SD, 57701
• Phone: 605-342-1195
• Website: https://hotrod.edu/

5Black Hills Beauty College

Black Hills Beauty College aims to provide top-notch education to prospective beauty professionals.

Their curriculum follows all the latest industry standards, and students are taught state-of-the-art techniques.

It was originally founded in 1978, so it has been successfully serving the community for over 30 years now.

Initially, Black Hills Beauty College only offered the cosmetology course.

However, due to a high volume of students and demand for expanding their program, they also incorporated three more courses.

Black Hills Beauty College is accredited, licensed, and recognized by the following bodies:

• Licensed by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
• Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences
• Recognized by the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy

Enrollment: Contact the school’s admission department to get further information about enrollment requirements.

Fees: The tuition fees for each of their courses go as follows:

• Cosmetology – $13,426
• Esthetics – $5,735
• Massage Therapy – $5,735
• Nail Technology – $2,400

The school offers the following courses:

• Cosmetology
• Esthetics
• Massage Therapy
• Nail Technology

Contact:

• Black Hills Beauty College
• Address: 623 St Joseph St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
• Phone: 605-342-0697
• Website: https://www.bhbeautycollege.com/

6Headlines Academy

Headlines Academy is an outstanding beauty school that inspires creativity and individuality.

The beauty industry is rapidly evolving and there an increase in demand for specialized beauty professionals.

Headlines Academy’s program is accredited by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

At this school, the instructors focus on hands-on teaching so the students will be able to absorb knowledge much better and more efficiently.

Their classes are dynamic, follow all the latest industry standards, and teach state-of-the-art techniques.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least 17 years of age for Cosmetology and 18 for Massage
• Must own a valid birth certificate
• Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent

Fees: Contact the school’s admission department to get further information about tuition fees and additional costs.

The school offers the following courses:

• Cosmetology
• Esthetics
• Massage Therapy
• Nail Technology

Contact:

• Headlines Academy
• Address: 333 Omaha St. Suite #6-7, Rapid City, SD 57701
• Phone: 605-348-4247
• Website: https://headlinesacademy.com/

7Western Dakota Tech

Founded in 1968, Western Dakota Tech has successfully created thousands of industry professionals since.

They offer a wide variety of classes in some of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, including building, production, IT, wellness and many more.

The college acknowledges the relevance of education, so its programs are made available to all through competitive prices and various financing options.

This involves several funding possibilities, including scholarships, for prospective graduates who fulfill the requirements:

Here are some of the financing options:

• Title IV federal financial assistance
• Build Dakota Scholarships
• Donor scholarships
• Third-party agencies scholarships
• Federal Work-Study Program

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must submit an application form
• Must submit school transcripts or GED scores
• Must submit immunization certification
• Must take a placement assessment test

Fees: Tuition costs at this school are $272 per credit for on-campus classes and $322 for online classes. There might be additional costs depending on the selected course.

The school offers the following courses:

• Accounting
• Allied Health
• Automotive Technology
• Bookkeeping
• Business & Technology
• Business Entrepreneurship
• Business – Hospitality
• Business Office Professional
• Business Social Media Marketing
• Computer-Aided Design
• Computer Science
• Construction Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Dental Assisting
• Diesel Technology
• Drafting and Machining Technology
• Electrical Trades
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Environmental Engineering Tech
• Farm & Ranch Management
• Health Information Management
• HVAC & Refrigeration Technology
• Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Emphasis
• Library Technician
• Electrical Trades – Technician
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Paramedic
• Pharmacy Technician
• Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant

Contact:

• Western Dakota Tech
• Address: 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703
• Phone: 605-718-2400
• Website: https://www.wdt.edu/

8Mitchell Technical Institute

Mitchell Technical Institute is one of the leaders in South Dakota when it comes to post-secondary education.

It offers a wide variety of courses in many interesting areas of expertise.

Here are some mind-bending facts about this school:

• Within six months, 99% of the school’s graduates are either successfully employed or have continued their education
• It was one of the ten finalists for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence
• More than 86% of MTI’s students receive financial aid

Mitchell Technical Institute has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

They are one of the most affordable community colleges in the area, and their goal is to provide variety, inspire creativity, and make a difference.

Enrollment: All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must fill out an application form
• Must provide proof of education – a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Must provide SAT or ACCUPLACER scores
• Must complete an admission test
• Must bring a copy of the birth certificate

Fees: The tuition fees for all their courses are $121 per credit. Prospective students will also have to cover the following fees:

• State Facility Fee – $5
• State M&R Fee – $35
• State Transition Fee – $1
• Department Fee – $30-$45
• Institutional Fee – $25

The school offers the following courses:

• Accounting
• Business Management
• Culinary Academy of South Dakota
• Agricultural Business
• Agronomy
• Animal Science
• Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
• Diesel Power – Light Truck Technology
• Power Sports & Marine Technology
• Precision Ag Technology
• Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
• Natural Gas Technology
• Power Line Construction & Maintenance
• Utilities Technology
• Wind Turbine Technology
• Architectural Design and Building Construction
• Electrical Construction & Maintenance
• Heating & Cooling Technology
• Machining and Manufacturing
• Progressive Welding Technology
• Automation Engineering Technology
• Automation Controls/SCADA
• GPS GIS Mapping Technology
• Information Systems Technology
• Telecommunications
• Human Services Technician
• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
• Medical Assistant
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Medical Office Professional
• Radiation Therapy
• Radiologic Technology
• Administrative Office Specialist
• Medical Office Professional
• Small Business Management
• Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
• Advanced Medical Imaging
• Electrical Registered Apprenticeship
• Power Line Registered Apprenticeship
• Professional Truck Driving
• SD Center for Farm/Ranch Management
• Social Media

Contact:

• Mitchell Technical Institute
• Address: 1800 East Spruce Street, Mitchell, South Dakota 57301
• Phone: 1-800-MTI-1969
• Website: https://www.mitchelltech.edu/

9Mount Marty College

Mount Marty College is a catholic educational institution that has been serving the community for a while now.

The US News & World Report recognizes this school as one of America’s Best Midwest colleges.

Also, 95% of their graduates have scored jobs up to six months upon completion, which further proves Mount Marty College’s academic excellence.

They take pride in their students’ success because they know how important it is to develop your skills, master them, and advance in life.

Mount Marty College wants to provide top-notch education that’s accessible to everyone who’d like to become a seasoned industry professional.

Enrollment: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about enrollment requirements.

Fees: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about tuition prices and additional costs.

The school offers the following courses:

• Accounting
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
• Elementary Education
• English
• Exercise Science
• History
• Human Service
• Master of Education
• Master of Education Coaching Leadership
• Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
• Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Music
• Nursing
• Performing Arts
• Physical Education
• Pre-Professional
• Psychology
• Radiologic Technology
• Recreation Management and Tourism
• Religious Studies
• Secondary Education
• Special Education

Contact:

• Mount Marty College
• Address: 1105 W. 8th St. Yankton, SD 57078
• Phone: 605-668-1545
• Website: https://www.mtmc.edu/

10University of Sioux Falls

The University of Sioux Falls has been a stellar educational institution for over a hundred years.

Ever since it was established, it strived towards providing students with an outstanding education at reasonable prices.

This school is an independent, non-profit organization that is here to serve the community and educate prospective industry specialists.

Their teaching style is more intimate, with smaller class sizes and a 16:1 student-teacher ratio.

This institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Overall, it’s a well-rounded school that has a lot to offer.

Enrollment: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about enrollment requirements.

Fees: Contact the school’s admission office to get further information about tuition prices and additional costs.

The school offers the following courses:

These are just some courses that are offered at USF.

• Accounting Professional Certificate
• Accounting Specialist Certificate
• Business Certificate
• Social Media Marketing
• Business Innovation and Marketing Certificate
• Healthcare Management Certificate
• Management Certificate

Contact:

• University of Sioux Falls
• Address: 1101 W. 22nd St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105
• Phone: 800-888-1047
• Website: https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/