Best Online RN to BSN Programs in South Dakota

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 offers an online RN-BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their professional qualifications. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing nurses to balance work and studies while gaining advanced knowledge in nursing practice, leadership, and evidence-based care. With a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking and enhance clinical skills, students benefit from a CCNE-accredited program that boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. Ideal for those seeking career growth, it combines academic rigor with practical relevance, supported by faculty experienced in nursing education.

• 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 BSN program stands out for its affordability and flexibility, offering a fully online curriculum that caters to working nurses. With a focus on advancing nursing practice, the program emphasizes population health, evidence-based care, and the integration of healthcare technologies. Students can complete their degree in as little as 10 months, benefiting from a 7-week course format that accommodates both part-time and full-time study. The program requires an RN license for admission and offers a competitive tuition rate of $408 per credit for South Dakota residents. Graduates are well-prepared for career advancement and further graduate studies.

• 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

*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

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:

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:

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:

• Unconditional acceptance to the university of your choice
• Graduate from a regionally accredited ADN program
• Active RN license with no encumbrances
• ‘C’ grade or better in each pre-requisite course
• Complete and submit nursing application
• Unhindered computer and internet access
• Three professional references
• Clear criminal background check

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:

• NUR 303 Nursing Research
• NUR 307 Pathophysiology for Nursing
• NUR 311 Leadership for the Baccalaureate Nurse I
• NUR 400 Family, Community, and Populations

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:

• Sioux Falls RN to BSN Programs