Every day, some 2.5 million nurses in the United States work collaboratively with their peers and colleagues in order to heal patients and advance their profession across the country and globally. In addition to outward-directed focus, many nurses also show inward-directed tenacity and foresight to advance their career through obtaining their bachelor’s degree.

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in South Dakota

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in South Dakota? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list focuses on quality, flexibility, and support for working nurses. Start your journey to a BSN today with a program that fits your life. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of South Dakota's RN-BSN program provides registered nurses with a flexible pathway to advance their nursing education. This online degree completion program empowers working nurses to enhance their clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and career opportunities. Designed for practicing RNs, the program focuses on developing critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and professional nursing competencies. Ideal for nurses seeking career progression, the program offers a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty who understand the unique needs of working healthcare professionals.

  • Online program format
  • Designed for working RNs
  • Professional development focused
  • Supports career advancement
  • CCNE accredited nursing program
  • High NCLEX-RN pass rate
  • Interprofessional learning opportunities
#2

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD - Public 4-Year - sdstate.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

South Dakota State University's RN to B.S.N. program offers registered nurses a flexible, fully online pathway to advance their nursing careers. Designed for associate degree holders, this affordable program allows students to complete their bachelor's degree in as little as 10 months. With a competitive tuition rate of $408 per credit for residents, students can enhance their professional skills through a comprehensive curriculum focusing on population health, evidence-based practice, and healthcare technologies. The program requires 30 SDSU credits and provides opportunities for career growth and potential graduate school preparation.

  • Fully online degree completion
  • 7-week course format
  • 30 total credit hours
  • Flexible part-time/full-time options
  • RN license required for entry
  • Resident tuition $408 per credit
  • Potential graduate program pathway

Fast & Affordable Program Options

There are many reasons why nurses are drawn to RN to BSN programs but two of the most common ones are the speed at which you can graduate from them and the very low cost. RN to BSN programs build on the student’s previous experience and training as a nurse to deliver a much shorter curriculum saving you both time and money along the way.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

A traditional BSN program takes about 4 years to complete, but if you already have your nursing license and a few years of experience, you are eligible to get your BSN in as little as a year through an RN to BSN program. Here are a few of the quickest options for RN to BSN programs in South Dakota:

SchoolDegree NameLength
South Dakota State UniversityOnline RN to BSN10 Months
Maryville State UniversityOnline RN to BSN1 Year

Learn more about the Quickest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, they do, though you will likely be hard-pressed to find one available in South Carolina. Six-month RN to BSN programs are hard to come by, and when they are available, they require a substantial amount of transferable credits along with several years of nursing experience.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely cheap, but before applying, it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of South Dakota or if you are an online student so if you’re relocating to another state, you should consider these cost differences. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
South Dakota State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$9,299 per year (Resident)

$12,809 per year (Non-Resident)

University of South Dakota Online RN to BSN$450 per credit

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Deciding to return to the classroom to continue your education is a big decision. You may be wondering how best to gain entrance to the accredited program of your choice, even with your extensive skills and experience. Similar to when you applied to your Associate’s Degree in Nursing program of choice, the BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has many of the same types of admissions criteria. Read on to discover the most common ones you may encounter when applying for an RN to BSN program:

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Dakota Wesleyan University has a unique online campus experience that helps students feel connected – to their coursework, their instructors, and their fellow students. Accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses will take upper-level courses like this:

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in South Dakota

Find the best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in South Dakota in our listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Aberdeen, SD

Division of Nursing
1500 North Main Street
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 229-8472

Brookings, SD

College of Nursing
1175 Medary Avenue
Brookings, SD 57006
(605) 688-5178

Mitchell, SD

Department of Nursing
1200 West University Avenue
Mitchell, SD 57301
(605) 995-2119

Rapid City, SD

School of Nursing
5301 Mt. Rushmore Road
Rapid City, SD 57701
(214) 907-2793

Sioux Falls, SD

School of Nursing
1101 West 22nd Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 331-6671

Vermillion, SD

Department of Nursing
414 E. Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
(605) 357-1553

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