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Best Nursing Schools in South Dakota: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 20, 2026

South Dakota offers 9 nursing programs from $6,718 at Lake Area Tech to $39,190 at Augustana, with graduates earning up to $207,824 at Mount Marty.

Overview of Nursing Education in South Dakota

South Dakota has 9 nursing programs, predominantly university-based with 2 community college options. Tuition is affordable by national standards, and the state's rural healthcare needs create strong employment opportunities for nursing graduates.

A standout data point: Mount Marty University's doctoral nursing graduates earn a median of $207,824/year — among the highest in any state — reflecting the premium for advanced practice nurses in rural healthcare settings.

Top University Nursing Programs

South Dakota State University (Brookings) is the state's largest nursing school with 8,798 students and First Professional Degree programs. In-state tuition is $9,299 with a near-open 98.7% acceptance rate, and nursing graduates earn $114,802/year.

University of South Dakota (Vermillion) offers BSN programs at $9,432/year. BSN graduates earn $61,041/year, with a 99.0% acceptance rate making it very accessible.

Mount Marty University (Yankton) is the earnings leader — doctoral nursing graduates earn $207,824/year. It's more selective at 48.1% acceptance, with tuition of $33,100.

Augustana University (Sioux Falls) provides BSN programs at $39,190/year with a 59.3% acceptance rate, 75.6% graduation rate, and nursing earnings of $60,403/year.

Community College Nursing Programs

Southeast Technical College (Sioux Falls) charges $7,650/year and produces ADN graduates earning $62,601/year. With 2,164 students, it's the larger of the two CC options.

Lake Area Technical College (Watertown) offers the most affordable path at $6,718/year with nursing graduates earning $66,233/year — actually higher than several university BSN programs.

Nursing Job Market in South Dakota

South Dakota's rural character creates significant nursing demand. Avera Health and Sanford Health are the state's two dominant health systems, with facilities across the state. Advanced practice nurses (NPs, CRNAs) command premium salaries in rural areas where physician access is limited.

Financial Aid

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship — merit-based, covers partial tuition
Build Dakota Scholarship — full-ride at technical colleges for high-demand fields including nursing
Federal aid available at all accredited programs

Next Steps

Explore South Dakota nursing programs on GradeToGrad.