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.
2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD - Public 4-Year - sdstate.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
South Dakota State University's online RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses with an associate degree seeking career advancement. The curriculum includes evidence-based practice, healthcare informatics, population health, leadership, and palliative care, delivered through ten seven-week courses. Students develop competencies in quality improvement, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered care. The program offers full-time completion in 10 months or part-time in 18 months, with six start dates per year. Clinical experiences are completed locally, and the RN to Grad option enables early graduate coursework. Admission requirements include a 2.5 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and three or fewer prerequisites; ACT/SAT scores are not listed. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
- 10-Month program
- 30 total credit hours
- 10 total courses
- Full-time and part-time options
- 6 start dates per year
- Starts spring/summer/fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu
RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Dakota offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This CCNE-accredited bachelor's completion track emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical partnerships with both urban and rural hospitals, while simulation labs with human simulators enhance learning. Unique opportunities include service-learning trips to Guatemala and participation in the Pathway to Innovation research program. Faculty provide personalized support with small class sizes, and the flexible online format allows working nurses to balance studies. Graduates consistently exceed the national average on the NCLEX, reflecting the program's strong preparation for professional practice.
- CCNE accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Clinical experiences at urban and rural hospitals
- Simulation labs with human simulators
- Service learning in Guatemala
- Pathway to Innovation research program
- Students score above NCLEX national average
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD - Private 4-year - usiouxfalls.edu
RN to BSN - LPN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Sioux Falls delivers an online LPN-to-BSN completion track designed for working licensed practical nurses. All theory courses are completed remotely, while clinical experiences occur in state-of-the-art facilities across nursing practice areas, featuring simulation technology. Students receive 30 credits for LPN licensure toward the 83-credit bachelor's degree. The curriculum covers applied pathophysiology, evidence-based nursing practice, high-acuity care, and leadership. Admission requires an active unencumbered LPN license, three professional references, and a minimum LPN GPA of 2.75. No ACT or SAT requirement is specified. This American Baptist-affiliated, faith-based program emphasizes compassionate, evidence-driven care and servant leadership, preparing graduates for RN roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, with an average RN salary around $70,000.
- $390 per credit
- 83 total credit hours
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Theory courses fully online
- 30 credits granted for LPN status
- Clinicals across all practice areas
- Simulation technology in clinical rotations
- Average RN salary $70,000
Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, SD - Private 4-year - dwu.edu
RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Dakota Wesleyan University offers an online RN to BSN program for working nurses. The accelerated curriculum is 100% online with no required login times, featuring seven-week courses. Students can finish in 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. The degree requires 120 total credits, including 28 nursing credits, with transfer credits accepted for prior nursing education. Admission requires official transcripts and RN licensure; no ACT or SAT entrance exam is required. Tuition is $400 per general education credit and $11,200 for nursing credits, plus an $840 clinical fee, background check, and CPR certification. Financial aid and scholarships are available. The program starts August 2026.
- 100% online coursework
- No required login times
- 7-week course terms
- 12-month full-time completion
- 24-month part-time option
- 120 total credits required
- 28 nursing course credits
- Transfer credits accepted
- RN licensure required
- Official transcripts required
National American University-Rapid City
Rapid City, SD - Private 4-year - national.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
National American University-Rapid City offers an online RN to BSN program specifically designed for working registered nurses. Admission requires an active, unencumbered nursing license from any U.S. state; no standardized entrance exam such as the ACT or SAT is specified. The program features rolling admissions, quarterly start dates, and no application fee, providing flexibility for professionals balancing work and study. As a military-friendly institution, it supports service members and veterans. The curriculum prepares nurses for advanced leadership roles and serves as a foundation for graduate education. Coursework is delivered entirely online, allowing students to complete their bachelor's degree from anywhere.
- Online program format
- Rolling admissions
- No application fee
- Quarterly start dates
- Active nursing license required
- Flexible for working professionals
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:
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| South Dakota State University | Online RN to BSN | 10 Months |
| Maryville State University | Online RN to BSN | 1 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:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| South Dakota State University | Online 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.
See Related Articles
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
2026 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:
Browse Our List of Programs
Brookings, SD
South Dakota State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 10-Month program
- 30 total credit hours
- 10 total courses
- Full-time and part-time options
- 6 start dates per year
- Starts spring/summer/fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
Mitchell, SD
Dakota Wesleyan University
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online coursework
- No required login times
- 7-week course terms
- 12-month full-time completion
- 24-month part-time option
- 120 total credits required
- 28 nursing course credits
- Transfer credits accepted
Rapid City, SD
National American University-Rapid City
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Rolling admissions
- No application fee
- Quarterly start dates
- Active nursing license required
- Flexible for working professionals
Sioux Falls, SD
University of Sioux Falls
- RN to BSN - LPN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- $390 per credit
- 83 total credit hours
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Theory courses fully online
- 30 credits granted for LPN status
- Clinicals across all practice areas
Vermillion, SD
University of South Dakota
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Clinical experiences at urban and rural hospitals
- Simulation labs with human simulators
- Service learning in Guatemala
- Pathway to Innovation research program
- Students score above NCLEX national average