Best Online Nursing Programs in Brookings, SD (2026)
Brookings, South Dakota has a population of about 23,710. The city’s median household income is $61,979 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 49.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Brookings. In South Dakota, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $223,650 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Brookings
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Brookings city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | 0.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lake Area Technical College | Watertown, SD | 44.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls, SD | 50.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls, MN | 69.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell, SD | 73.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Dakota schools on the South Dakota nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Brookings
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (South Dakota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $69,510 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $49,170 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $223,650 |
| Nurse Midwife | N/A |
| Nurse Practitioner | $122,600 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,070 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Brookings at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,710 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $61,979 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 49.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Brookings County | 310 workers, 12 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Brookings-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Watertown, SD – 45.7 mi away (21,788 pop)
- Sioux Falls, SD – 52.9 mi away (177,629 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Brookings, SD?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Brookings. The closest is South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD (0.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Mitchell Technical College (73.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in South Dakota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in South Dakota are: Nurse Anesthetist ($223,650), Nurse Practitioner ($122,600), Registered Nurse ($69,510). Wages for Brookings workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Watertown instead of Brookings?
Watertown, SD is 45.7 miles from Brookings and has its own set of local nursing programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Brookings an affordable place to study nursing?
Brookings’s median household income of $61,979 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Brookings while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and South Dakota public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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