Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at South Dakota State University
Bachelor's Degree
sdstate.eduAnalysis
South Dakota State's nursing program delivers solid starting salaries but faces an unusual challenge: earnings actually decline over the first four years after graduation. While new graduates earn $71,758—competitive with other South Dakota nursing programs and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—that figure drops to $64,471 by year four, representing a 10% decline when most careers show growth.
The debt picture offers some consolation. At $28,000, student loans are manageable and slightly below the state median, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. This means graduates can realistically handle their loan payments even as their earnings plateau. However, the program's 33rd percentile ranking nationally suggests stronger nursing programs exist elsewhere, though SDSU does outperform several in-state competitors.
The earnings decline pattern raises questions about career trajectory for SDSU nursing graduates. This could reflect graduates moving to lower-paying rural positions, taking time for family, or facing limited advancement opportunities in South Dakota's healthcare market. For families prioritizing immediate post-graduation earning power and manageable debt, SDSU delivers on both fronts. But if long-term earning growth matters more, exploring nursing programs with stronger four-year outcomes—particularly those ranking higher nationally—might better serve your investment.
Where South Dakota State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How South Dakota State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University | $71,758 | $64,471 | -10% |
| Dakota Wesleyan University | $67,981 | $74,077 | +9% |
| Augustana University | $72,237 | $69,254 | -4% |
| National American University-Rapid City | $69,890 | $67,202 | -4% |
| University of South Dakota | $71,758 | $67,147 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 South Dakota State UniversityBrookings | $9,299 | $71,758 | $64,471 | $28,000 | 0.39 |
 Augustana UniversitySioux Falls | $39,190 | $72,237 | $69,254 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 University of South DakotaVermillion | $9,432 | $71,758 | $67,147 | $28,644 | 0.40 |
 University of Sioux FallsSioux Falls | $20,740 | $70,622 | $59,670 | $31,000 | 0.44 |
 National American University-Rapid CityRapid City | $16,065 | $69,890 | $67,202 | $52,969 | 0.76 |
 Dakota Wesleyan UniversityMitchell | $32,890 | $67,981 | $74,077 | $31,000 | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At South Dakota State University, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 438 graduates with reported earnings and 463 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.