South Dakota Mines Ranks as One of the Nation’s Top Universities

September 21, 2026
South Dakota Mines Ranks as One of the Nation’s Top Universities
South Dakota Mines continues to stand out regionally and nationally, earning recognition in several recent college rankings for the value of its science and engineering education, affordability and outcomes.

As students and families increasingly look at the value a college degree can deliver after graduation, universities with strong STEM programs and connections to high-demand careers are attracting attention.

South Dakota Mines continues to stand out regionally and nationally, earning recognition in several recent college rankings for the value of its science and engineering education, affordability and outcomes.

“The demand for STEM talent is growing, and students are paying close attention to where their education can take them,” said Mines President Brian Tande, Ph.D. “At Mines, we are focused on strengthening that entire pipeline and creating more opportunities for students to connect what they learn in the classroom with real-world challenges. Whether through research, hands-on projects or partnerships with industry, we want students to graduate ready to apply their knowledge, solve problems and contribute from day one.”

The recognition comes as the nation’s STEM workforce continues to expand. According to a 2026 report from the National Science Foundation’s National Science Board, the STEM workforce grew by 26 percent between 2013 and 2023 compared to the non-STEM workforce, which grew by 9 percent. And STEM jobs are projected to continue growing faster than non-STEM jobs over the next decade.

Mines top rankings include:

  • Forbes listed South Dakota Mines as one of its Top Colleges for 2027. Focused on the return on investment for students’ time and money, Mines ranked 312 out of 500 universities nationwide, and the top South Dakota school.
  • TIME listed South Dakota Mines among its America’s Best Colleges of 2026-2027, and its only South Dakota university. To highlight U.S. institutions that provide the best value for their students, TIME partnered with data research firm Statista on the inaugural edition of America’s Best Colleges of 2026-2027, ranking the colleges that excel at student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness to students.
  • US News and World Report 2027 Best Colleges ranked South Dakota Mines as #18 for regional Midwest universities, the #4 top regional public university, and #7 best college for veterans in the Midwest, all rankings are two spots higher than last year.
  • Niche ranked South Dakota Mines in the top 5% of the best small colleges in the nation and #1 in South Dakota.