South Dakota Nursing Schools and Programs
Researching and then applying to accredited nursing schools in South Dakota can be a time-consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near-term education goals and the South Dakota licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career in the state of South Dakota as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Registered Nurse? See our nursing education chart below for some insight into how long it takes to graduate from the most popular CNA, LPN, and RN nursing programs in South Dakota.
South Dakota Registered Nurse (RN) programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), which typically lasts 2 years, or a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN), which lasts 4 years.
While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many South Dakota nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and earn an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of South Dakota.
Starting with a shorter CNA or LPN program can also strengthen your ASN or BSN application by showing commitment and clinical readiness. For those pursuing South Dakota RN licensure directly, associate degree programs are often more accessible than bachelor's programs. Earning your RN through an ASN, then advancing through an RN to BSN program or RN to MSN bridge, is a common and effective path in South Dakota.
Nursing Schools
List Of Nursing Schools In South Dakota
Below is our list of accredited nursing schools in South Dakota. In general, these colleges, universities, and training centers offer campus-based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. RN schools in SD will generally offer an ADN, ASN, or BSN nursing degree. Advanced Practice (APRN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs can be found at larger schools that offer MSN and DNP degrees.
Click the name of any South Dakota nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database. Use the wishlist buttons provided to save institutions to a private list of nursing schools near you.
Augustana University
2001 S Summit Ave,
Sioux Falls,
SD
57197
605-274-5516
Augustana University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota campus for Augustana University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,086. In-state tuition and fees were $37,342 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $37,342
- Room and Board $9,148
- Acceptance Rate 66%
- ACT Score 21-28
Dakota Wesleyan University
1200 West University Avenue,
Mitchell,
SD
57301
605-995-2600
Dakota Wesleyan University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Mitchell, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Mitchell, South Dakota campus for Dakota Wesleyan University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 887. In-state tuition and fees were $31,890 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $31,890
- Room and Board $7,450
- Acceptance Rate 75%
- ACT Score 18-24
Lake Area Technical College
1201 Arrow Ave,
Watertown,
SD
57201
605-882-5284
Lake Area Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Watertown, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Watertown, South Dakota campus for Lake Area Technical College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,179. In-state tuition and fees were $6,718 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $6,718
- Acceptance Rate Open
Mitchell Technical College
1800 East Spruce Street,
Mitchell,
SD
57301
605-995-3025
Mitchell Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Mitchell, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Mitchell, South Dakota campus for Mitchell Technical College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,132. In-state tuition and fees were $7,524 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $7,524
- Acceptance Rate Open
Mount Marty University
1105 West 8th Street,
Yankton,
SD
57078
605-668-1545
Mount Marty University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Yankton, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Yankton, South Dakota campus for Mount Marty University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,314. In-state tuition and fees were $34,600 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, DNAP
- Tuition Cost $34,600
- Room and Board $9,800
- Acceptance Rate 48%
- ACT Score 19-24
Oglala Lakota College
490 Piya Wiconi Road,
Pine Ridge,
SD
57752
605-455-6000
Oglala Lakota College is a Public institution with a campus in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Pine Ridge, South Dakota campus for Oglala Lakota College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,229. In-state tuition and fees were $2,684 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,684
- Room and Board $7,200
- Acceptance Rate Open
Presentation College
1500 North Main Street,
Aberdeen,
SD
57401
605-225-1634
Presentation College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Aberdeen, South Dakota campus for Presentation College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 615. In-state tuition and fees were $22,764 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN
- Tuition Cost $22,764
- Room and Board $10,842
- Acceptance Rate 76%
- ACT Score 19-22
Sinte Gleska University
101 Antelope Lake Circle,
Mission,
SD
57555
605-856-8100
Sinte Gleska University is a Public institution with a campus in Mission, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Mission, South Dakota campus for Sinte Gleska University is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 683. In-state tuition and fees were $4,714 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: CNA, LPN
- Tuition Cost $4,714
- Acceptance Rate Open
Sisseton Wahpeton College
12572 BIA Rd 700,
Sisseton,
SD
57262
605-698-3966
Sisseton Wahpeton College is a Public institution with a campus in Sisseton, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Sisseton, South Dakota campus for Sisseton Wahpeton College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 187. In-state tuition and fees were $4,330 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN
- Tuition Cost $4,330
- Room and Board $3,000
- Acceptance Rate Open
South Dakota State University
1004 Campanile Ave,
Brookings,
SD
57007
800-952-3541
South Dakota State University is a Public institution with a campus in Brookings, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Brookings, South Dakota campus for South Dakota State University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 11,498. In-state tuition and fees were $9,299 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, ABSN, MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $9,299
- Room and Board $10,176
- Acceptance Rate 99%
- ACT Score 19-26
Southeast Technical College
2320 N Career Ave,
Sioux Falls,
SD
57107
605-367-7624
Southeast Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota campus for Southeast Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,478. In-state tuition and fees were $7,650 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: CNA, LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $7,650
- Acceptance Rate Open
University of Sioux Falls
1101 W 22nd St,
Sioux Falls,
SD
57105
605-331-5000
University of Sioux Falls is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota campus for University of Sioux Falls is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,509. In-state tuition and fees were $21,750 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN
- Tuition Cost $21,750
- Room and Board $9,270
- Acceptance Rate 82%
University of South Dakota
414 E Clark St,
Vermillion,
SD
57069
605-658-6200
University of South Dakota is a Public institution with a campus in Vermillion, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Vermillion, South Dakota campus for University of South Dakota is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 9,868. In-state tuition and fees were $9,432 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, DNAP
- Tuition Cost $9,432
- Room and Board $10,356
- Acceptance Rate 99%
- ACT Score 19-25
Western Dakota Technical College
800 Mickelson Dr,
Rapid City,
SD
57703
605-718-2400
Western Dakota Technical College is a Public institution with a campus in Rapid City, South Dakota. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The Rapid City, South Dakota campus for Western Dakota Technical College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,047. In-state tuition and fees were $8,294 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $8,294
- Room and Board $8,150
- Acceptance Rate Open
How To Become
How do I become a nurse in South Dakota?
If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of South Dakota, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your South Dakota registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of South Dakota, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your South Dakota practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
How Long It Takes
How long is nursing school in South Dakota?
The amount of time you spend in a South Dakota nursing school will vary based on the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a South Dakota Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page, we created a chart that summarizes how long nursing school is in South Dakota. That chart includes the number of nurses employed in the state of South Dakota, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of South Dakota, far greater numbers are employed as Registered Nurses (RN) compared to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Dakota earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which South Dakota nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
Tuition Cost
How much does nursing school in South Dakota cost?
Tuition for a nursing school in South Dakota will cost between $5,000 to $8,000 per year for state residents seeking a two-year Associate degree, an ADN, or ASN, for example. The larger public four-year colleges and universities in South Dakota cost more, between $5,000 to $10,000 per year, for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN).
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in South Dakota, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two-year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four-year college or university of your choice. Each college has its own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
Difficulty
Is it hard to get into a South Dakota nursing school?
We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each South Dakota nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in South Dakota provided above, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 48% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.
If you are having trouble getting accepted into a South Dakota nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.
Compact State
Is South Dakota a nursing compact state?
Yes, South Dakota is part of the nursing license compact. South Dakota recently enacted the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a South Dakota Licensed Practical Nurse or a South Dakota Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.
Last updated: February 5, 2026
References:
- South Dakota Nursing License Requirements. State of South Dakota, Board of Nursing. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- South Dakota State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- Tuition And Characteristics Of South Dakota Colleges. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- South Dakota Nurse Licensure Compact Status. NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved February 5, 2026.