Mitchell, SD (Mitchell Now) — Mitchell Technical College has been ranked the 4th best community college in the United States in WalletHub’s 2026 Best & Worst Community Colleges report, released by
the personal finance website WalletHub.com.


The ranking places Mitchell Tech among the top performers nationwide out of more than 610
community colleges evaluated across the country. WalletHub’s analysis compared schools
using 18 key indicators of cost and quality, grouped into three core categories: Cost &
Financing, Education Outcomes, and Career Outcomes.


Mitchell Tech’s strong showing was driven in large part by its performance in student success
metrics, including the 3rd-best graduation rate, the 2nd-best student retention rate, and the 8thbest student-to-faculty ratio among all schools in the study.


The recognition also reflects well on the broader state system: South Dakota was ranked the
3rd best state in the nation for its community college system, with Mitchell Technical College
identified as the top-performing community college in the state.


Mitchell Tech’s No. 4 national ranking also puts it well ahead of South Dakota’s other technical
colleges in this year’s study. Lake Area Technical College came in at No. 60, Southeast
Technical College placed No. 128, and Western Dakota Technical College ranked No. 297 —
underscoring Mitchell Tech’s standing as the clear leader among the state’s technical college
system.


“This ranking is a reflection of the dedication our faculty and staff bring to student success every
single day,” said Theresa Kriese, President of Mitchell Technical College. “Our mission has
always been to provide students with an affordable, high-quality education that prepares them
for real careers, and to see that recognized on a national stage is incredibly rewarding.”


At Mitchell Tech, students can choose from more than 34 career-focused programs designed to
prepare them for high-demand fields. The college emphasizes hands-on education, industry
partnerships, and workforce preparation.


The WalletHub recognition adds to a growing list of national accolades for Mitchell Tech. The
college has consistently been recognized among the nation’s leading two-year institutions for
student outcomes and career preparation. Mitchell Tech has also been ranked No. 1 among
community colleges in South Dakota in previous national rankings