University of South Dakota Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Vermillion-based USD anchors the state’s only comprehensive School of Health Sciences and medical school, and its Department of Nursing runs BSN and graduate pathways from Sioux Falls to online RN-BSN. This guide summarizes published NCLEX-RN results (USD licensure report citing South Dakota Board of Nursing data), tuition cost-of-attendance tables, and admissions steps—confirm every detail with USD before you apply.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Interprofessional simulation, rural clinical emphasis, and SD Advantage tuition for many neighboring states make USD attractive if you want a flagship public option with BSN sites in both Vermillion and Sioux Falls—then stack MSN, DNP, or DNAP credentials without leaving the Coyote system.
Overview & Why Students Choose USD Nursing
The University of South Dakota Department of Nursing emphasizes relationship-centered care, rural and underserved populations, and interprofessional training alongside Sanford School of Medicine and other health-science disciplines. Pre-licensure students split time between high-fidelity simulation and community hospitals across eastern South Dakota and western Iowa, while working RNs can finish the RN-BSN online.
Graduate offerings are intentionally focused: an MSN in Nursing Informatics and e-Health, a post-master’s DNP in Organizational and System Leadership, and a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) accredited by COA—distinct from the CCNE-accredited BSN/MSN/DNP ladder USD highlights on its public site.
USD’s Annual Licensure and Certification Report (dated November 12, 2025) lists NCLEX-RN performance for the B.S.N., citing data from the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Calendar year 2024 shows 114 of 120 writers passed (95.00%), compared with a state aggregate of 94.20% on the same table. Confirm the latest cohort with USD and the Board.
Reasons students choose USD
Flagship health sciences hub
USD advertises the only comprehensive health sciences school plus the state’s medical school, creating routine interprofessional classroom and simulation experiences.
Dual-site BSN access
Traditional and LPN-BSN pathways run on the Vermillion campus and at USD Sioux Falls—helpful if you need an urban clinical corridor while remaining in the Coyote system.
Strong published NCLEX performance
Recent USD-reported calendar-year pass rates have tracked at or above the South Dakota aggregate shown in the same licensure report table.
Focused graduate niches
Informatics MSN, systems-leadership DNP, and a dedicated DNAP give clear next steps for RNs targeting analytics, executive roles, or anesthesia.
Nursing Programs Offered
Programs below are drawn from USD’s undergraduate nursing overview and the graduate catalog — Nursing Department. Use those sources for credit totals, plans of study, and clinical hour requirements.
Pre-licensure & RN completion
Traditional BSN
Pre-nursing admission followed by competitive progression into the nursing major on the Vermillion or Sioux Falls campus; completes general education and upper-division nursing coursework for NCLEX-RN eligibility.
LPN to BSN
Designed for licensed practical nurses who want a BSN; delivered at Vermillion and Sioux Falls with progressive clinical experiences.
RN to BSN
Fully online completion program for associate- or diploma-prepared RNs needing a bachelor’s; USD lists two plan-of-study options for working professionals.
Graduate & doctoral
MSN — Nursing Informatics and e-Health
33-credit MSN delivered with distance technologies; admits via NursingCAS with July 15 deadline for fall starts per catalog.
DNP — Organizational and System Leadership
100% online post-master’s DNP requiring both BSN and MSN; 36–43 credits depending on background; spring start with December 1 application deadline.
DNAP
Three-year anesthesia program for ICU-ready RNs; COA initial accreditation October 2022 per catalog; spring (January) start with June 1 deadline the prior year.
USD does not list PhD nursing or APRN nurse practitioner tracks in the graduate catalog excerpt reviewed for this page. If you need FNP, PMHNP, or other APRN programs, compare South Dakota peer schools or verify whether USD added new tracks since catalog publication.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the University of South Dakota Annual Licensure and Certification Report (November 12, 2025), NCLEX-RN results for the B.S.N. reflect data provided by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Calendar year 2024 lists 120 writers with 114 passes (95.00%); the report’s South Dakota aggregate column for the same row shows 94.20%. Calendar year 2023 lists 146 writers with 139 passes (95.21%). The report notes 2025 data are partial through June 30 (84 writers, 79 passes, 94.05%). Confirm current rates with USD and the Board.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (2024 calendar year) | 95.00% (114/120 testers; USD Annual Licensure Report, SD BON data) |
| South Dakota aggregate (same report row) | 94.20% (for comparison within the same USD table) |
| Source | USD Licensure-Track Program & Pass Rates (links to PDF); South Dakota Board of Nursing. Confirm current data with USD and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the South Dakota Board of Nursing and USD.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
USD admits international students university-wide, but nursing programs add clinical clearance, background checks, and South Dakota licensure rules. Treat the checklist below as conversation starters with USD’s International Office, the Department of Nursing, and the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Graduate nursing applicants from non-exempt countries need minimum iBT 79, IELTS 6.0, PTE 53, or Duolingo 110 per the USD graduate catalog; undergraduate thresholds follow International Admissions.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: USD may require ECE/WES-style evaluations when coursework is incomplete or from non-U.S. institutions (graduate catalog language).
- South Dakota Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses must meet Board requirements for licensure by examination or endorsement before practicing—separate from university admission.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical courses may limit online-only enrollment; confirm CPT/OPT implications and travel for Sioux Falls or rural rotations.
This is guidance, not legal advice. Requirements change—verify with USD and the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
USD nursing uses a limited-seat model: you must first be admitted to the university, then satisfy nursing prerequisites and testing before the departmental deadline. Undergraduate materials describe HESI Admission Assessment requirements for standard applicants, while direct admission candidates with ACT ≥27 or a ≥3.0 prerequisite GPA are noted as exempt from HESI.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BSN — Fall nursing start | April 1 (nursing application) | HESI before deadline for standard applicants; see Coyote One Stop articles linked on USD nursing page. |
| BSN — Spring nursing start | September 1 | USD recommends applying to the university by July 15 for spring nursing coursework. |
| RN-BSN — Fall | July 15 | Online completion program. |
| MSN (Informatics) | July 15 | Fall start via NursingCAS; $35 USD application fee plus NursingCAS fees (catalog). |
| DNP (Org. & System Leadership) | December 1 | Spring start; requires active RN license before matriculation. |
| DNAP | June 1 (year before January start) | Highly selective; CCRN, ICU experience, June 30 transcript verification target. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing major) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (examples) | Direct BSN: ≥3.0 on designated prerequisites; MSN: ≥2.7 cumulative BSN GPA; DNP: ≥3.0 graduate GPA; DNAP: ≥3.0 science GPA considered—per catalog. |
| TEAS / HESI | HESI required for standard pre-licensure admission; not required for documented direct-admission candidates meeting ACT/GPA thresholds. |
Honest tip: Because seats are capped, finish prerequisite science courses early, schedule HESI with buffer time before April 1 / September 1, and use USD’s advising staff to document the general education spreadsheet required with the nursing application.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
USD posts Cost of Attendance tables that combine tuition, mandatory fees, discipline fees, and living estimates—use them for federal aid packaging rather than sticker quotes alone. South Dakota Advantage extends resident-rate tuition to many neighboring states for qualifying new undergraduates; review eligibility carefully because Minnesota reciprocity is phasing out for new graduate students per USD’s graduate COA notes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition & general fees (30 credits/year) | $9,687 for SD resident / SD Advantage categories; $11,192 returning Minnesota; $13,299 non-resident (2026 tables on USD Undergraduate COA page). |
| Undergraduate course / discipline fees (average) | ~$510 per year (same COA tables). |
| Online undergraduate rate (general) | $365.05/credit tuition on USD Online Tuition page; nursing may differ—see nursing disclaimers. |
| Graduate tuition & fees (18 credits/year) | $7,313 SD resident; $11,292 Minnesota; $13,127 non-resident; $8,714 online graduate subtotal (Graduate COA tables). |
| Graduate course / discipline fees (average) | ~$454 per year. |
| Source | Undergraduate Cost of Attendance; Graduate Cost of Attendance; Online Tuition & Costs. Confirm current amounts with the USD Business Office. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Rural workforce grants and HRSA-funded immersion projects highlight USD’s focus on placing graduates in community hospitals, critical access sites, and regional health systems. For employment percentages beyond NCLEX, see USD consumer information or ask the department for the latest graduate survey—avoid unsourced placement claims.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate | 95.00% (2024 calendar year, 114/120; USD Annual Licensure Report citing SD BON) |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on the pages summarized here—confirm with USD nursing alumni outcomes or career services. |
| Source | USD Licensure-Track Program & Pass Rates. Confirm current rates with USD and the South Dakota Board of Nursing. |
Is USD Nursing the Right Fit for You?
You should align your goals with USD’s strengths—public tuition, dual-campus BSN access, and graduate tracks that emphasize informatics, systems leadership, or nurse anesthesia rather than broad APRN specialization.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Value simulation-heavy preparation plus rural and regional clinical variety.
- Want to stay in-state or leverage SD Advantage neighboring-state rates.
- Plan to continue from BSN to MSN/DNP/DNAP within the same university system.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an Accelerated BSN for second-degree students (not highlighted in USD materials reviewed).
- Require a nurse practitioner MSN/DNP that USD does not currently list in its catalog excerpt.
- Prefer a private religious college experience—USD is a public flagship with large-campus dynamics.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Vermillion sits along the Missouri River near the Nebraska and Iowa borders, so nursing students rotate with systems such as Sanford Health (including Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls), Avera, Monument Health, and a network of rural critical-access hospitals that mirror South Dakota’s workforce needs. Sioux Falls placements add Level II trauma and specialty pediatric exposure, while smaller hospitals emphasize med-surg, obstetrics, and long-term care integration.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Sanford Health | Largest regional employer; integrates with USD’s medical and nursing missions—common site for advanced rotations. |
| Avera Health | Faith-based system spanning South Dakota and neighboring states; provides broad inpatient and outpatient experiences. |
| Rural acute partners | USD’s HRSA rural immersion grant spotlights acute-care training in underserved communities—confirm current partner hospitals with the department. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing offices sit in the Lee Medical Building on USD’s main campus, adjacent to other health-science disciplines. Simulation suites emphasize progressive scenarios spanning OB, pediatrics, and acute adult care. Student organizations listed on USD’s nursing pages include the Student Nurses Association and the Omega Beta chapter of Sigma Theta Tau—check CampusGroups for meeting schedules. Optional global service learning (for example, Guatemala brigades referenced on USD’s site) supplements local community health work.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Vermillion, SD (Sioux Falls site for select programs)
- Address
- 414 East Clark Street, Lee Medical Building, Vermillion, SD 57069, US
- Telephone
- 605-658-5600 (department) · 605-658-3301 (secondary line listed on USD nursing pages)
- Graduate nursing email
- gradnursing@usd.edu
- Website
- USD Department of Nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read Coyote One Stop articles for HESI, BSN application steps, and (if applicable) RN-BSN application.
- Download the undergraduate nursing curriculum PDF linked from USD’s nursing majors page and map prerequisites.
- Create a NursingCAS account if you are targeting MSN, DNP, or DNAP entry.
- Schedule HESI with enough lead time before the April 1 or September 1 nursing deadlines.
- Contact USD Financial Aid about SD Advantage eligibility and rural nursing scholarships tied to the HRSA grant.
- Bookmark the South Dakota Board of Nursing for licensure questions.
- Set calendar reminders for your pathway’s deadline (BSN vs. RN-BSN vs. graduate).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of South Dakota a strong choice for nursing?
USD’s CCNE-accredited BSN/MSN/DNP ladder plus a COA-accredited DNAP, combined with NCLEX-RN data reported in the university’s Annual Licensure Report (95.00% for 2024, 114 of 120 testers per SD BON-sourced table), supports an evidence-based yes—for students whose goals match USD’s program mix. Confirm current rates with USD and the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
What is the latest University of South Dakota NCLEX-RN pass rate?
The November 12, 2025 USD Annual Licensure and Certification Report shows a 95.00% pass rate for calendar year 2024 (114 of 120) and notes partial 2025 data through June 30 (79 of 84, 94.05%). Verify the newest publication on USD’s licensure disclosure page and with the Board.
Does University of South Dakota nursing use TEAS or HESI?
USD’s published undergraduate steps reference the HESI Admission Assessment for standard BSN applicants. Direct-admission students who meet ACT ≥27 or a 3.0 prerequisite GPA threshold are described as exempt from HESI. Confirm policies for your cohort on the official nursing page.
When are University of South Dakota nursing application deadlines?
BSN nursing applications are due April 1 (fall) and September 1 (spring). RN-BSN fall admission uses July 15. MSN informatics uses July 15, DNP leadership uses December 1 for spring starts, and DNAP uses June 1 prior to a January start—all per USD materials summarized on this page.
Does University of South Dakota offer an Accelerated BSN (ABSN)?
USD highlights Traditional BSN, LPN-BSN, and RN-BSN rather than a marketed ABSN track for career changers. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, discuss the fastest path with USD nursing advisors.
How much is tuition for University of South Dakota nursing undergraduates?
USD’s 2026 undergraduate cost tables list $9,687 in tuition and general fees for 30 credits per year for South Dakota resident/SD Advantage students plus roughly $510 in average discipline fees; non-resident columns are higher. Nursing courses online may use alternate rates—confirm with USD.
Where do University of South Dakota nursing students complete clinical rotations?
Materials reference partnerships with urban systems such as Sanford and Avera plus rural hospitals statewide. Assignments vary by semester—coordinate with USD’s clinical placement office.
What graduate nursing degrees does USD list in its catalog?
The graduate catalog excerpt lists MSN Nursing Informatics and e-Health, DNP Organizational and System Leadership (post-master’s), and DNAP programs with distinct admissions testing and NursingCAS requirements.
Is University of South Dakota nursing accredited?
USD states CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing degrees and COA accreditation for the DNAP. Confirm active status with CCNE, COA, and the university before enrolling.
References
- University of South Dakota — Department of Nursingusd.edu/nursing
- University of South Dakota — Undergraduate Nursingusd.edu (Undergraduate Programs / Nursing)
- University of South Dakota — Licensure-Track Program & Pass RatesAnnual Licensure and Certification Report PDF
- University of South Dakota — Undergraduate Cost of Attendanceusd.edu
- University of South Dakota — Graduate Cost of Attendanceusd.edu
- University of South Dakota — Online Tuition & Costsusd.edu
- USD Academic Catalog — Nursing Department (Graduate)usd.catalog.acalog.com
- South Dakota Board of Nursingsdbon.org
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)aacnnursing.org
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX alignment with USD’s Annual Licensure Report, program inventory alignment with the USD catalog, and tuition figures tied to official USD cost-of-attendance pages.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
Published: March 31, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy