South Dakota State University vs University of South Dakota
DNP programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.
Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team
At a glance
Easier to get into
University of South Dakota
99.0% vs 98.7% acceptance
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 MSN to DNP | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | DNP | DNP |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Brookings, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
| Length | 36 months | 36 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 98.7% | 99.0%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $9,384 in / $16,917 out | - |
| In-state tuition | $9,384 | — |
| Out-of-state tuition | $16,917 | — |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota the same type of program?
Both are DNP 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.