SIOUX FALLS, S.D. ( South Dakota News Watch ) - South Dakota spends the seventh-lowest amount per student nationally in the public school system as of 2023.

The state spends $12,005 per student, about $2,000 more than the lowest state on the list: Idaho ($10,247), which is followed by Utah ($10,333) and Oklahoma ($11,155).

The data is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and includes a per-student breakdown of salaries and wages, employee benefits, student support, instructional staff support, general administration and school administration.

The top states for per-student funding are New York ($30,012) and Vermont ($26,345).

Regionally, Minnesota spends $16,117 per student, Iowa, $13,792 and Nebraska, $15,200.

In early 2025, the South Dakota Legislature approved an increase of educa

See Full Page