1
Augustana University
Augustana University is a private nonprofit institution in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Graduates earn a median of $59,217 within ten years.
Offering BSN Program
Rankings: Best South Dakota Nursing Schools 2026
Explore the top 25 accredited nursing schools in South Dakota, ranked from 12 programs using the allnurses School Score — a 100-point index built from 12 federal IPEDS & College Scorecard metrics, including NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, net cost, and post-graduation earnings.
Data Last updated: May 16, 2026
Sources:
IPEDS /
College Scorecard / Editorial Team
2
South Dakota State University
Based in Brookings, South Dakota, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Annual in-state tuition is $9,299.
12 Nursing Programs Offered
ABSN, BSN, BSN-DNP, DNP, DNP-AGNP, DNP-FNP, MSN, MSN-FNP, MSN-NE, MSN-NL, PhD, Post-MSN-Cert
3
University of Sioux Falls
University of Sioux Falls is a smaller private nonprofit institution in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with about 1,450 students. Annual in-state tuition is $21,750.
Offering BSN Program
4
University of South Dakota
University of South Dakota is a public institution in Vermillion, South Dakota. The acceptance rate is 99%.
2 Nursing Programs Offered
ADN, BSN
5
Dakota Wesleyan University
Dakota Wesleyan University is a smaller private nonprofit institution in Mitchell, South Dakota with about 892 students. The acceptance rate is 73%.
2 Nursing Programs Offered
ADN, BSN
6
Southeast Technical College
Southeast Technical College provides nursing education from its campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Total enrollment is about 2,659 students.
Offering ADN Program
7
Western Dakota Technical College
Western Dakota Technical College is a smaller public institution in Rapid City, South Dakota with about 1,164 students. Annual in-state tuition is $8,294.
Offering ADN Program
8
Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College is a public school in Watertown, South Dakota offering nursing education. Graduates earn a median of $45,473 within ten years.
Offering ADN Program
9
Mount Marty University
Mount Marty University is a smaller private nonprofit institution in Yankton, South Dakota with about 1,284 students. Annual in-state tuition is $34,600.
12 Nursing Programs Offered
ABSN, BSN, BSN-DNP, DNP, DNP-FNP, DNP-PMHNP, MSN, MSN-FNP, MSN-PMHNP, PhD, Post-BSN-Cert, Post-MSN-Cert
10
O
Oglala Lakota College
With annual in-state tuition at $2,684, Oglala Lakota College in Kyle, South Dakota is among the more affordable public options in the region. The school reports a 71% graduation rate.
Offering ADN Program
11
National American University-Rapid City
National American University-Rapid City is a smaller private for-profit institution in Rapid City, South Dakota with about 903 students. Annual in-state tuition is $16,065.
3 Nursing Programs Offered
ADN, BSN, RN-BSN
12
S
Sisseton Wahpeton College
With annual in-state tuition at $4,330, Sisseton Wahpeton College in Sisseton, South Dakota is among the more affordable public options in the region. The school reports a 21% graduation rate.
Offering CNA Program