Compare BSN costs, NCLEX outcomes, and program formats at every accredited South Dakota nursing school.
More than half of South Dakota’s counties are designated primary care health professional shortage areas, and most of the state’s hospitals are Critical Access facilities. That geography has shaped a nursing education system defined by small cohort sizes, practical clinical rotations in rural settings, and a surprisingly wide cost spectrum. A BSN here can range from under $3,000 at a tribal college to over $40,000 at a private university. Traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN pathways are all available, but not every format exists at every campus, and admission cutoffs often exceed the university’s general requirements. For students weighing debt against early-career pay, the state’s lower-than-average NCLEX pass rates at some schools add another layer of scrutiny.
From Sioux Falls' healthcare hubs to tribal communities on the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota's nursing schools prepare graduates for diverse roles across the state. These rankings highlight programs that combine strong outcomes with affordability and regional workforce alignment.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Sioux Falls | Sioux Falls, SD | $21,000/yr (net price) | Students prioritizing NCLEX success | |
The University of Sioux Falls offers BSN and accelerated BSN programs that blend evidence-based education with Christian values. Recognized as a top nursing school in South Dakota, its graduates achieve some of the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates in the state. Extensive clinical partnerships with Sioux Falls health systems ensure strong job placement in regional hospitals.
| |||||
| #2 | Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | Future nurses wanting a holistic BSN experience | |
Augustana University's BSN is the only holistic nursing program endorsed in South Dakota, set against the backdrop of Sioux Falls' largest healthcare hub. Students train in advanced simulation centers and complete weekly clinicals at major systems like Sanford and Avera, leading to above-average NCLEX pass rates and strong graduate earnings.
| |||||
| #3 | University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | $20,000/yr | In-state learners seeking a public university option | |
The University of South Dakota's BSN program emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based care with clinical rotations in both urban and rural settings across the state. As a public flagship, it offers lower in-state tuition and a high NCLEX pass rate, preparing graduates for licensure and employment throughout South Dakota's frontier communities.
| |||||
| #4 | Western Dakota Technical College | Rapid City, SD | $13,000/yr | ||
Western Dakota Technical College's LPN-to-RN bridge program awards an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing. Designed for licensed practical nurses, the ACEN-accredited curriculum emphasizes hands-on skills and NCLEX preparation, with a focus on serving diverse populations in the Rapid City area.
| |||||
| #5 | Dakota Wesleyan University | Mitchell, SD | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Dakota Wesleyan University's nursing programs include a BSN with a 100% job placement rate and a hybrid A.S. in Nursing for rural students. Both integrate Christian values and high-tech simulation, preparing graduates for NCLEX success and immediate employment in South Dakota's central healthcare facilities.
| |||||
| #6 | Mount Marty University | Yankton, SD | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | ||
Mount Marty University's BSN program offers comprehensive clinical training across multiple specialties, rooted in Catholic Benedictine values. Graduates are in high demand, often receiving job offers before graduation, and the program focuses on serving rural and underserved communities in southeastern South Dakota.
| |||||
| #7 | Oglala Lakota College | Kyle, SD | ~$2,000/yr (est.) | ||
Oglala Lakota College provides an affordable, culturally grounded BSN and ADN pathway specifically designed for the Oglala Lakota Nation. Its programs emphasize cultural competency and prepare Native nurses to return to tribal and IHS healthcare settings, making it a critical workforce pipeline for the region.
| |||||
| #8 | Northern State University | Aberdeen, SD | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Northern State University's BSN program combines liberal arts with nursing science to prepare students for NCLEX-RN success and entry-level practice. As a public institution in Aberdeen, it offers in-state tuition and helps meet nursing shortages in northeastern South Dakota through strong local clinical partnerships.
| |||||
Costs for BSN programs in South Dakota span a wide range, from just $2,684 in tuition at Oglala Lakota College to $40,160 at Augustana University. After factoring in average financial aid, net prices drop dramatically but still show a clear public-private divide, with public institutions offering net prices often below $16,000 and private colleges ranging from $19,735 to $23,894. Keep in mind that these net price figures are institution-wide averages and actual nursing student costs may differ.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price After Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oglala Lakota College | $2,684 | $2,684 | $1,895 |
| Western Dakota Technical College | $8,294 | $8,294 | $12,670 |
| Northern State University | $8,845 | $11,947 | $15,812 |
| Dakota Wesleyan University | $33,790 | $33,790 | $19,735 |
| University of South Dakota | $9,432 | $12,942 | $19,858 |
| University of Sioux Falls | $21,750 | $21,750 | $21,383 |
| Mount Marty University | $34,600 | $34,600 | $22,227 |
| Augustana University | $40,160 | $40,160 | $23,894 |
South Dakota nursing schools offer three main BSN pathways: the traditional four-year degree, an accelerated option for career changers with a prior bachelor’s, and an RN-to-BSN bridge for licensed nurses. If you’re wondering whether you can earn a BSN completely online in South Dakota, the short answer is that pre-licensure BSN programs require in-person clinicals, so fully online initial licensure tracks are not available. However, RN-to-BSN programs are commonly offered online and built around the schedules of working nurses.
| Traditional BSN | Accelerated BSN | RN-to-BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Duration | 4 years (full-time) | 12-16 months (cohort-based) |
| Ideal Student Profile | First-time college students or those with no prior nursing degree | Career changers holding a bachelor’s in another field |
| Delivery Mode & Flexibility | On-campus, full-time cohort model | Intensive on-campus schedule; hands-on clinicals require in-person attendance |
| Clinical Requirements | 600-800+ clinical hours integrated over 2-3 years | Same total hours compressed into 12-16 months; rigorous pacing |
| Program Examples in South Dakota | Augustana University, University of South Dakota, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mount Marty University (all campus-based) | University of Sioux Falls (16 months, on-campus); SDSU discontinued its Aberdeen accelerated site after 2026 |
The College Scorecard does not yet report program-specific median earnings at one or four years for BSN completers at these schools. Employment share and poverty threshold data are also unavailable. However, institutional outcomes provide a useful reference: the top-ranked program, Augustana University, reports a median salary of $59,217 a decade after enrollment.
Nursing students in South Dakota are increasingly weighing debt against early-career earnings before committing to a program. The numbers below compare median earnings of all graduates (not program-specific) with median federal loan debt to gauge whether the financial payoff justifies the cost. While nursing-specific outcome data is not yet published, campus-wide figures still signal which schools leave graduates with manageable debt relative to income.
We use a simple ratio: median institutional earnings divided by median total debt. A higher number means each dollar borrowed tends to come back faster through earnings. Because monthly payment data is not available, this ratio is your clearest snapshot of financial strain. Keep in mind that earnings here cover all majors, so nursing grads may differ.
Without program-level monthly payment data, it's hard to pin down a precise monthly bill. However, lower debt generally translates to lower monthly obligations. For context, the standard 10-year repayment plan costs roughly $100 to $150 per month for every $10,000 borrowed, depending on interest rates. Schools like Western Dakota Tech, with $15,000 median debt, likely produce payments under $200 per month, while a $27,000 debt load could push payments above $300. These differences add up over a career, so targeting low-debt programs can free up income for housing, savings, or further education.
South Dakota State University was not part of this specific ROI comparison, so we cannot directly assess its debt-to-earnings performance. Nursing applicants interested in SDSU should consult its NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement records, and financial aid information, all covered in other sections of this guide, to gauge overall value.
Nursing programs in South Dakota set admission standards that frequently exceed general university requirements, with limited seats making the process competitive even when overall institutional acceptance rates appear high.
A common starting point is a minimum GPA for prerequisite courses. Augustana University, for example, sets a 2.70 cumulative GPA threshold for nursing applicants, as outlined in its 2024-2025 undergraduate catalog. Notably, Augustana has no required entrance exam like the TEAS or HESI1, a distinction that simplifies the application but places extra weight on GPA and other materials.
Most other BSN programs in the state do incorporate standardized testing. While specific requirements vary by school, prospective students should expect to see the TEAS or HESI exam requested. The University of South Dakota’s nursing program, for instance, lists the HESI as part of its selection process. Always confirm current exam requirements directly with the program, since policies can shift between admissions cycles.
In addition to GPA and testing, all BSN programs require specific prerequisite courses, typically including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. Augustana University publishes its required courses online1, and similar lists are standard across South Dakota schools. Completing these with strong grades is a non-negotiable part of the admissions puzzle.
Overall admission rates do not tell the full story. The University of South Dakota admits roughly 99% of undergraduate applicants (institutional acceptance rate 98.78%), yet its BSN program is competitive, often requiring a strong academic profile beyond the university’s minimums. Mount Marty University shows a much lower institutional acceptance rate (42.57%), which aligns with nursing cohorts that are inherently small and selective. Augustana University’s overall 67.75% acceptance rate masks a nursing applicant pool where grades and science prerequisites drive decisions. These figures underscore that nursing-specific acceptance rates are consistently tighter than institutional benchmarks.
Limited clinical placements force most programs to cap cohort sizes. When qualified applicants outnumber seats, waitlists can form, sometimes delaying entry by a semester or more. Augustana’s nursing program, with its February 15 application deadline1, selects one cohort each fall, and competitive applicants are encouraged to apply early. Planning for a backup date or alternative program can be wise, especially if prerequisites still need completion.
NCLEX-RN pass rates are a quality indicator for nursing programs, showing how well graduates are prepared for licensure. Schools with consistently high rates often have strong curricula and clinical training. Below are the latest pass rates for South Dakota programs compared to state and national benchmarks.
Finding a nursing program that fits your location is the first step toward a career in South Dakota’s diverse healthcare settings. The state’s nursing schools extend far beyond its two largest cities, offering opportunities from tribal reservations and rural clinics to major medical centers. This practical guide helps you research programs by city and understand what matters most before you apply.
Begin with a direct visit to each school’s nursing department website. These pages list program formats, admission deadlines, and campus-specific offerings that third-party directories often miss. For example, the University of South Dakota offers its BSN both in-person and online, with campuses in Sioux Falls and Vermillion. Southeast Technical College, located in Huron, delivers an ADN program with transfer agreements to BSN degrees, while Northern State University is currently developing a new BSN path. If you live in or near tribal communities, programs like Oglala Lakota College’s Associate Degree in Nursing or Sitting Bull College’s practical nursing pathway provide culturally integrated training and may feed into broader pipeline initiatives, such as South Dakota State University’s American Indians into Nursing grant funded by the Indian Health Service.
A school’s location doesn’t always dictate where you’ll gain hands-on experience. Contact admissions or the clinical placement office to learn which hospitals and clinics they work with. In Rapid City, Monument Health often serves as a training site; programs that place students there can give you a strong local foothold. Similarly, rural programs may partner with Indian Health Service facilities or critical-access hospitals, exposing you to patient populations you’d otherwise rarely encounter. Always ask about placement logistics, especially if you’re balancing a job or family commitments.
For salary data and employment trends, rely on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Their website lets you compare national figures with state-specific registered nurse wages, helping you gauge return on investment by region. Professional associations like the South Dakota Nurses Association also publish workforce reports and can connect you with practicing nurses who share firsthand insights about working in a particular city or facility.
With an aging population and rural health care gaps, South Dakota's registered nurse shortage is expected to persist. This translates into fast job placement and strong salaries for new graduates. Choosing a nursing program in South Dakota means joining a workforce that communities rely on every day, turning a degree into a meaningful career with high demand and steady employment.
South Dakota nursing students can access over $1,000 in state-specific scholarships, with deadlines as early as October 1, and may qualify for full-tuition coverage through federal service programs.
The South Dakota Board of Nursing offers the Nurse Education Assistance Scholarship, a $1,000 award for students who have been state residents for at least one year. Applications for the 2025–2026 cycle close on October 1, 2025. The South Dakota Nurses Association Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship also provides $1,000; its deadline falls in October, and residency in the state is required.
For those committed to rural practice, the SDAHO Enterprises Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Scholarship supports students at South Dakota Board of Regents public universities who maintain a 3.0 GPA and intend to live and work in a rural area. Meanwhile, the South Dakota Community Foundation Health Sciences Scholarships use a common application to auto-match students with multiple awards; a 3.0 GPA is needed, making it efficient to apply.
The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program covers tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend. In exchange, recipients commit to work at a Critical Shortage Facility after graduation. Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Similarly, the National Health Service Corps offers loan repayment for nurses serving in underserved communities, many of which are rural South Dakota locations.
South Dakota participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program, which allows residents of participating Midwestern states to enroll at South Dakota public universities at a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. This can significantly lower costs for non-residents pursuing a BSN.
Start by filing the FAFSA to unlock federal and institutional aid. Then, check with your school’s financial aid office for campus-specific scholarships. For the Nurse Education Assistance Scholarship, submit materials before October 1; the Nurses Association deadline is also in October. Complete the South Dakota Community Foundation’s common application early, and confirm your eligibility for the Nurse Corps program, which has its own application cycle. Reach out to hospital systems in Rapid City or Sioux Falls for additional patient-care scholarship opportunities.
Deciding where to earn your nursing degree in South Dakota involves many considerations, from cost to career outcomes. Below we answer the most common questions about nursing schools, program formats, and job prospects in the state.
What factors matter most when ranking nursing programs in South Dakota? Our approach weighs multiple data points to give a comprehensive picture of each school's value, from affordability to graduate outcomes.
The rankings combine several metrics into a weighted score. Each metric reflects what matters to nursing students.
We pull from publicly available datasets: the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, IPEDS, and direct submissions from schools. Because IPEDS data is institution-level, some metrics like graduation rates reflect the entire college rather than the nursing department. Similarly, net price is an average estimate across all undergraduates , your actual cost may differ based on transfer credits or program-specific fees. For full transparency on how each element is weighted, visit the rankings methodology page.
No ranking can capture every aspect of a program. Deliberately excluded from our scoring are:
This focused methodology helps you compare schools on measurable outcomes, but we recommend pairing these rankings with campus visits and conversations with current students to find the right fit.
