Best Nursing Programs in South Dakota (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 180 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in South Dakota. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $140,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 91.3% first-time pass rate. RNs in South Dakota earn $63,220/year on average (BLS).
180
Programs
40
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
91.3%
Avg NCLEX (3)
94
Online / Hybrid
$63K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
South Dakota nursing programs at a glance
- 180 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in South Dakota (0 LPN, 1 ADN, 14 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (Accelerated BSN at South Dakota State University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 91.79% (Western Governors University).
- 94 online or hybrid programs serve South Dakota students (6 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in South Dakota: $63,220 (BLS) · 4.7% projected job growth through 2032.
South Dakota nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 180 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 40 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 1 ADN · 14 BSN · 61 MSN · 24 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated BSN at South Dakota State University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $140,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 91.3% average across 3 programs with published data · high: 91.79% (Western Governors University) |
| Delivery formats | 87 online · 7 hybrid · 6 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $63,220/yr (BLS) · 4.7% projected growth through 2032 |
All Nursing Programs in South Dakota
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Showing 100 of 180 programs from our directory for South Dakota.
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How to choose a nursing program in South Dakota
South Dakota is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (180 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in South Dakota ($63,220/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in South Dakota is projected to grow 4.7% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in South Dakota means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our South Dakota directory, the fastest listed completion time is 12 months. We track 180 accredited nursing programs in South Dakota — including 15 entry-level RN pathways. South Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once South Dakota is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Iowa, Montana, North Dakota.
Key takeaways
- Screen South Dakota programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in South Dakota.
- South Dakota is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- South Dakota lists 15 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in South Dakota spans $13,500 to $140,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 94 online or hybrid programs serve South Dakota students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $63,220 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in South Dakota
Programs by Degree Type
61
MSN Programs
24
DNP Programs
14
BSN Programs
1
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in South Dakota
40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Mount Marty University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Dakota Wesleyan University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Augustana University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| University of South Dakota – Department of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 91.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in South Dakota?
There are 180 accredited nursing programs available in South Dakota across 40 schools — including 0 LPN, 1 ADN, 14 BSN, 61 MSN, and 24 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in South Dakota?
Nursing program tuition in South Dakota starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $140,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in South Dakota?
The fastest nursing programs listed in South Dakota can be completed in 12 months (Accelerated BSN at South Dakota State University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in South Dakota?
Registered nurses in South Dakota earn an average of $63,220 per year ($30/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in South Dakota is projected to grow 4.7% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in South Dakota?
Yes. There are 94 online and hybrid nursing programs (87 fully online, 7 hybrid) available to South Dakota residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within South Dakota.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in South Dakota?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Western Governors University leads at 91.79% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)). Average across 3 programs with data: 91.3%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in South Dakota?
To practice nursing in South Dakota, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the South Dakota Board of Nursing. South Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in South Dakota?
Yes. Like most states, South Dakota is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 4.7% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in South Dakota?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in South Dakota vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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