Nursing in South Dakota

South Dakota’s nursing education landscape reflects the state’s geography and healthcare needs. Most nursing programs are based in larger cities like Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, while rural residents often rely on community colleges offering LPN and ADN programs in smaller towns. However, BSN programs remain concentrated in urban areas, which means students living in remote regions may need to relocate or travel for higher-level nursing education.

The state’s NCLEX pass rates have steadily improved, averaging about 89.5% in 2026. Schools such as South Dakota State University and the University of Sioux Falls lead with pass rates near or above 90%. Lower pass rates tend to come from some smaller or for-profit programs. This trend shows that students enrolled in well-established public universities generally experience higher program quality and better licensure outcomes.

South Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses licensed in the state to practice across compact states like Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and Iowa without additional licenses. This reciprocity supports nurse mobility for jobs both near state borders and within larger healthcare systems like Sanford Health and Avera Health, two of the state’s biggest employers.

Nursing salaries in South Dakota reflect regional and specialty differences. Registered nurses earn an average of about $69,000 annually, though salaries range from around $55,000 in rural areas to $85,000 or more in urban centers and specialized units. Licensed practical nurses earn about $49,500. Advanced practice nurses, particularly CRNAs and NPs, command much higher incomes, often surpassing six figures. These wages generally align well with South Dakota’s below-average cost of living, especially outside major cities.

Tuition costs vary by program type and institution. LPN programs typically cost $7,000 to $12,000 at technical and community colleges. ADN programs range from $10,000 to $18,000, with community college options more affordable than private schools. BSN programs at public universities fall between $25,000 and $40,000, while private schools may charge more. These rates are moderate compared to national averages but require students to consider living expenses, especially in urban locations.