South Dakota State University vs University of South Dakota
BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.
At a glance
Side-by-side details
Best value in each row is highlighted.
| South Dakota State University Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | University of South Dakota Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | BSN | BSN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Brookings, SD | Vermillion, SD |
| Length | 48 months | 48 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 95.2% | 95.6%BEST |
| Acceptance rate | 98.7% | 99.0%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $9,299 in / $12,809 outBEST | $9,432 in / $12,942 out |
| In-state tuition | $9,299BEST | $9,432 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,809BEST | $12,942 |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota?
University of South Dakota's BSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 95.6%, compared to 95.2% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.
Which is cheaper, South Dakota State University or University of South Dakota?
South Dakota State University is the more affordable option at roughly $9,299, compared to $9,432. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.
Are South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota the same type of program?
Both are BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.
How do I decide between South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota?
Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.
Want a personalized fit score?
Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.