2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in South Dakota

1

Mitchell Technical Institute
Mitchell, SD

Leading the list is Mitchell Technical Institute, our #1 best value for registered nursing in South Dakota. Set in the town of Mitchell, Mitchell Technical Institute is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,524. Students borrow a median of $12,730 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Mitchell Technical Institute generally make around $47,686. That is a strong return on a $12,730 median debt.

2

Oglala Lakota College
Kyle, SD

Oglala Lakota College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the rural area of Kyle, Oglala Lakota College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,684. Median earnings reach $22,517 ten years out.

3

Western Dakota Technical Institute
Rapid City, SD

Western Dakota Technical Institute is a great value for students pursuing a degree in registered nursing, landing the #3 spot this year. Western Dakota Technical Institute is a small public school located in the city of Rapid City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $15,620 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Western Dakota Technical Institute earn a median of $37,839 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,620 median debt.

4

Lake Area Technical Institute
Watertown, SD

Lake Area Technical Institute came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Lake Area Technical Institute is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Watertown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $26,212 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $66,233. That is a strong return on a $26,212 median debt.

5

Southeast Technical Institute
Sioux Falls, SD

Southeast Technical Institute came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, Southeast Technical Institute is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $28,239. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Southeast Technical Institute generally make around $62,601. That is a strong return on a $28,239 median debt.

6

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University earned the #6 position for value in registered nursing this year. South Dakota State University is a large public school located in the town of Brookings. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $28,000. Registered Nursing graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $99,864 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota came in at #7 for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Students borrow a median of $32,298 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of South Dakota earn a median of $71,758 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants.

8

Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, SD

Dakota Wesleyan University landed the #8 spot for registered nursing value this year. Dakota Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Mitchell. Students from in state pay about $33,790 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $31,000. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Dakota Wesleyan University generally make around $67,981. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dakota Wesleyan University admits about 73% of applicants.

9

University Of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD

University Of Sioux Falls placed #9 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, University Of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,750. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $70,622. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants.

10

Mount Marty College
Yankton, SD

Mount Marty College landed the #10 spot for registered nursing value this year. Mount Marty College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Yankton. In-state tuition and fees average $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Mount Marty College earn a median of $152,247 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

11

Augustana College South Dakota
Sioux Falls, SD

Augustana College South Dakota ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $40,160. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Augustana College South Dakota generally make around $72,237. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augustana College South Dakota admits about 68% of applicants.