Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota's nursing program shows a troubling pattern that should concern parents: graduates earn $71,758 in their first year but see their income drop to $67,147 by year four. This 6% decline runs counter to typical career trajectories and suggests graduates may struggle to advance professionally or secure higher-paying positions over time.

While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among South Dakota's seven nursing schools, it significantly underperforms nationally, landing in just the 33rd percentile. The $71,758 starting salary trails the national median of $74,888 by over $3,000. Among state competitors, USD ties with South Dakota State but falls behind Augustana University's $72,237 median. The debt load of $28,644 is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that matches both state and national medians.

The backwards earnings trajectory is the real red flag here. Most nursing careers show steady income growth as professionals gain experience and specializations, but USD graduates appear to lose ground. Given the program's 99% admission rate and below-average SAT scores, parents should question whether this program adequately prepares students for competitive nursing positions that offer career advancement. Consider Augustana University instead—it delivers higher starting salaries without the concerning earnings decline.