Skip to main content
South Dakota State University delivers the most affordable nursing education at $18,219 net cost, while private alternatives like Augustana University command $24,723 with a 75.60% graduation rate. The $2,040 earnings spread between programs reflects specialization opportunities in nursing administration and clinical research roles. South Dakota's growing healthcare sector, supported by major systems like Avera Health and Sanford Health, creates steady demand for nursing graduates across rural and urban markets.
7
Programs
$18,219 – $24,723
Net Price Range
$57,404
Avg. Program Earnings
60.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,219 $57,860 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
2 $19,155 $57,693 $9,432 61.4% 99.5%
3 $19,300 $57,603 $32,890 46.4% 74.8%
4 $20,874 $58,173 $20,740 60.5% 76.0%
5 $22,086 $56,133 $16,065 60.0%
6 $23,295 $56,641 $33,100 60.6% 68.4%
7 $24,723 $57,724 $39,190 75.6% 65.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Dakota nursing programs competitive for the cost?

Net costs range from $18,219 to $24,723, yet all programs produce graduates earning between $56,133 and $58,173 annually. The University of South Dakota accepts 99.46% of applicants while maintaining a 61.40% graduation rate, making quality nursing education accessible to most students.

How do private nursing programs compare to public options in South Dakota?

Private programs cost $4,000 to $6,500 more annually but show mixed results in outcomes. Augustana University achieves the highest graduation rate at 75.60%, while Dakota Wesleyan struggles at 46.40% despite similar net costs around $19,300.

Where do nursing graduates find the best earning potential in South Dakota?

University of Sioux Falls graduates earn the highest average at $58,173, followed closely by SDSU at $57,860. These earnings reflect opportunities in specialized nursing roles within South Dakota's major healthcare systems and administrative positions in the state's expanding medical facilities.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.