Best Nursing Schools in South Dakota in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

Many picture South Dakota as a flat, sparsely populated state. While that may be partially true, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Cosmos Mystery Area, as well as numerous historic landmarks and natural history museums. So, don’t shy away from a nursing school in South Dakota.

There are a lot of factors that go into deciding which school is best for you, not just location. The overall cost, the type of classes, community, and programs are all important. To help you on your search for the perfect school, we’ve comprised a list below of the nursing schools in South Dakota.

Once you’ve finished your nursing degree, you can sit for the NCLEX and obtain your nursing license. The state requires a background check and transcripts. To be eligible for a license, you must have at least 140 hours of professional nursing experience in a 12-month period, or 480 hours accumulated in the preceding six-year period.

The top Nursing Schools in South Dakota in 2024

1. Augustana University

Augustana University was founded in 1860 and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church. Augusta prepares students for a wide variety of professions coupled with faith and spiritual values to give students a well-founded experience that will meet all of their needs.

• Tuition: $25,500
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%

2. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is South Dakota’s largest higher education institution. Students come from every state to experience SDSU’s 250+ programs. The SDSU offers experience to everyone through satellite, off-campus sites and online opportunities to help meet every student’s need.

• Tuition: $3,078
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%

3. Southeast Technical Institute

In a hurry and short of cash? Southeast Technical Institution offers Sioux Fall’s most cost-effective education that will get you out the door in 24 months or less. Southeast Technical Institute prepares students with confidence and experience into the workforce of their chosen profession.

• Tuition: $3,016
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%

4. University of Sioux Falls

The University of Sioux Falls is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, and they believe in integrating faith and learning to help students in their career and service to God. They also provide 100% of first-time, full time freshmen with some sort of financial aid.

• Tuition: $18,610
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%

5. Oglala Lakota College

Oglala Lakota College is dedicated to rebuilding the Lakota Nation through education. The college will graduate students grounded in Wolakolkiciyapi-learning Lakota ways of life in the community-by teaching Lakota culture and language as part of preparing students to participate in a multicultural world.

• Tuition: $2,684
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 84%

6. Mount Marty College

Mount Marty College is a small, Catholic college based in the historic town of Yankton. MTMC combined Benedictine traditions with academic excellence to help students achieve awareness with God, community, hospitality, and life-long learning.

• Tuition: $25,976
• NCLEX Pass Rate: N/A

7. Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University is over 130 years strong in its United Methodist Tradition. Through faith exploration, leadership development, and small class sizes, DWU focuses on the unique strength of each individual student.

• Tuition: $27,700
• NCLEX Pass Rate: N/A

8. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is filled with stunning structures on a 274-acre campus. It is one of the oldest public institutions in the state and is known for its renowned “Dakota Days”, a week-long celebration for students and alumni alike.

• Tuition: $9,331
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%

9. Sisseton Wahpeton University

Sisseton Wahpeton University is part of a long history that existed before first contact with the Europeans. SWU is dedicated in providing members of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation with higher education and life-long learning.

• Tuition: $4,410
• NCLEX Pass Rate: N/A

10. Presentation College

Presentation College has deep Catholic roots and requires students to complete at least two service-learning projects. With deep beliefs and opportunities for service, Presentation College is dedicated to improving lives and making the world a better place.

• Tuition: $21,625
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 71%

11. National American University

The National American University offers students the flexibility of online classes as well as a personal success coach. Each student is given one-on-one attention to help them achieve success and make the most of their education.

• Tuition: $12,225
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 85%

12. Lake Area Technical Institute

Lake Area Technical Institute is the place for anyone looking to land a job in a high-demand career. LATI combined cutting edge technology with interactive classes to help every student launch their career successfully.

• Tuition: $2,118
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%

13. Western Dakota Technical Institute

Western Dakota Technical Institute knows success means something different to everyone, so they are ready to help you in a personalized way. With a many opportunities to network, the WDT community supports, challenges, and works alongside each other as students speed their way toward success.

• Tuition: $3,264
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 85%

Methodology

From the list of schools we obtained, we sorted them through average tuition, acceptance rate, class size, and more. Each school has been hand-picked and ranked accordingly, and every school has something unique to offer so it’s worth looking into each one. Please contact us with any questions.

For more information, check out our nursing career page.