Best Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota (2026)

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South Dakota Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$112,476
Salary OutlookSouth Dakota offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodySouth Dakota Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in South Dakota offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. South Dakota offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, South Dakota students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Nursing Schools in South Dakota

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in South Dakota.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, SD BOC Score 78.9
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 43

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD BOC Score 74.7
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 35

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD BOC Score 69.7
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 56%
Tuition
In‑state$7,650
Out‑of‑state$7,650
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 54

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in South Dakota

Nursing professionals in South Dakota experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for South Dakota.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (South Dakota)
Registered Nurse$78,060
Licensed Practical Nurse$52,750
Nurse Anesthetist$263,930
Nurse Practitioner$128,840
Nursing Assistant$38,800

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in South Dakota?

Choosing a program in South Dakota can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in South Dakota offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet South Dakota Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in South Dakota accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For South Dakota, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in South Dakota compare to other states?

South Dakota offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes South Dakota a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in South Dakota?

The South Dakota Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in South Dakota. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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