Best Nursing Schools in South Dakota for 2025

Top Nursing Programs in South Dakota (2025)

1. South Dakota State University (SDSU) – Score: 95.17%

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.17%
• Tuition: $9,300 (in-state), $12,810 (out-of-state)
• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Programs Offered:
  • BSN (Traditional and Accelerated)
  • RN-to-BSN (Online)
  • MSN
  • DNP
• Highlights: SDSU offers nursing programs across multiple locations, including Brookings, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. The university emphasizes serving rural and underserved populations and provides over $800,000 in scholarships annually. ​

2. University of South Dakota (USD) – Score: 95.61%

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.61%
• Tuition: $8,719 (in-state), $11,283 (out-of-state)
• Graduation Rate: 51%
• Programs Offered:
  • BSN
  • RN-to-BSN (Online)
  • MSN (Nursing Informatics)
  • DNP
• Highlights: USD is home to the state's only comprehensive health sciences school and medical school. The program boasts small class sizes and a 100% job placement rate for graduates. ​

3. Augustana University – Score: 95.5%

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.5%
• Tuition: $36,332
• Graduation Rate: 75%
• Programs Offered:
  • BSN
  • Accelerated BSN
  • MSN
• Highlights: Located in Sioux Falls, Augustana's nursing program is embedded in the liberal arts tradition and offers specialized MSN tracks. The university's graduates consistently outperform state and national NCLEX averages .​

4. University of Sioux Falls (USF) – Score: 97.37%

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.37%
• Tuition: $19,440
• Graduation Rate: 56%
• Programs Offered:
  • BSN
  • Accelerated BSN
• Highlights: USF offers a Christian-centered education with strong clinical partnerships in Sioux Falls. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate for BSN graduates. ​

5. Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) – Score: 93.18%

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.18%
• Tuition: $30,700
• Graduation Rate: 52%
• Programs Offered:
  • BSN
  • LPN-to-BSN
• Highlights: DWU offers traditional and LPN-to-BSN pathways, with the latter available at its Sioux Falls location. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement. ​

6. Mount Marty University – Score: 77.27%

• NCLEX Pass Rate: 77.27%
• Tuition: $22,384
• Graduation Rate: 61%
• Programs Offered:
  • BSN
  • MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
  • DNP
  • Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
• Highlights: Mount Marty provides a faith-based education with a focus on holistic nursing care. The university offers direct entry into its DNAP program for qualified graduates. ​

Choosing the Right Nursing Program

When selecting a nursing school in South Dakota, consider the following factors:

• Location: Decide between urban centers like Sioux Falls and more rural settings based on your lifestyle preferences.
• Tuition and Financial Aid: Evaluate the cost of programs and explore scholarship opportunities.
• NCLEX Pass Rates: Higher pass rates can indicate strong program quality.
• Program Offerings: Ensure the school offers the degree path that aligns with your career goals.
• Graduation Rates: Higher rates may reflect better student support and program effectiveness.​

Next Steps

Embarking on a nursing career in South Dakota offers a promising future. To get started:

• Research Programs: Visit the websites of the schools listed above to gather more information.
• Prepare Application Materials: Organize transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
• Explore Financial Aid: Apply for scholarships, grants, and financial aid early.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of licensing requirements and continuing education opportunities in South Dakota.​

For more information on nursing careers and job opportunities, visit GoodWork.