University of South Dakota vs Western Dakota Technical College
ADN 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.
| University of South Dakota Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Western Dakota Technical College Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | ADN | ADN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Vermillion, SD | Rapid City, SD |
| Length | 24 months | 24 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 95.6%BEST | 94.5% |
| Acceptance rate | 99.0% | — |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $9,432 in / $12,942 out | $8,008BEST |
| In-state tuition | $9,432 | $8,008BEST |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,942 | $8,008BEST |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | SCORECARD_BASELINE | SCORECARD_BASELINE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, University of South Dakota or Western Dakota Technical College?
University of South Dakota's ADN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 95.6%, compared to 94.5% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.
Which is cheaper, University of South Dakota or Western Dakota Technical College?
Western Dakota Technical College is the more affordable option at roughly $8,008, compared to $9,432. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.
Are University of South Dakota and Western Dakota Technical College the same type of program?
Both are ADN 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 University of South Dakota and Western Dakota Technical College?
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.