10 Graduate Nursing Scholarships for South Dakota RNs

• South Dakota RNs interested in (or actively working toward) a graduate nursing degree might already meet the qualifications to apply for scholarships. 
• South Dakota tuition for an advanced nursing degree can cost up to $12,500 per year at public institutions. 
• Check out these 10 scholarships for South Dakota nurses who want to expand their knowledge and career opportunities. 

Known for its agricultural heritage and historical landmarks like Mount Rushmore, South Dakota is home to nearly 1,800 licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Each year, more and more South Dakota RNs are returning to school to obtain APRN licenses, but the growth is fairly slow. 

Plus, more than one-third of South Dakota NPs don’t even live in the state. 

For South Dakota RNs interested in joining the state’s APRN workforce, many things must be considered when deciding to return to school, one of which is cost. Your workplace might offer a tuition assistance program, but many nursing organizations offer scholarships to RNs pursuing graduate degrees as well. This applies to RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to go back for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctorate Nurse Practitoner (DNP), Ph.D., or other nursing-related graduate degree.

If you’re an RN pursuing an advanced degree, learn about APRN salary and job outlook in South Dakota, tuition costs, and scholarships. 

South Dakota APRN Salary and Job Outlook 

All APRN roles in South Dakota are growing except for the clinical nurse specialist role, which is on the decline. South Dakota NPs are in small numbers (around 900 employed) and they primarily work in regions: Minnehaha, Lincoln, Lawrence, Meade, and Pennington. South Dakota NPs make an average of $121,000 per year, which is $5,000 less per year than the national average. South Dakota RNs pursuing an NP license who wish for a higher salary might consider travel NP positions, which can pay up to $145,000 per year.

South Dakota RNs pursuing nurse anesthetist roles may have reason to stay within the state. These nursing professionals make around $211,000 per year, which is just around the national average. Nurse midwife and clinical nurse specialist roles are the least popular in South Dakota. Recent numbers show around 50 nurse midwives (most working in hospitals and academia) and 50 clinical nurse specialists (most working in ambulatory care). 

The average APRN salaries in the U.S. include $126,000 for NPs, $130,000 for nurse midwives, and $213,000 for nurse anesthetists. APRN jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow 40% by 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate of most jobs. 

Keep in mind, not every graduate nursing degree is an APRN degree. APRNs serve in advanced clinical roles and diagnose patients. Nurse educators, administrators, informaticists, researchers, clinical nurse leaders, and public health nurses may also hold graduate nursing degrees, but are not considered APRNs. Scholarships are available to South Dakota RNs interested in these roles as well. 

South Dakota APRN Tuition Costs

South Dakota is among the Top 15 most affordable states to live. Its public college tuition also is among the most affordable in the nation. South Dakota RNs might take this into consideration when choosing to go back to school. Tuition for graduate nursing programs can cost up to $12,500 per year at public institutions. But should you choose to attend a public school out of state as a South Dakota resident, tuition costs might be higher.  

These numbers do not reflect tuition costs at private institutions. Neither does it include costs for books, uniforms, and equipment for clinical training like stethoscopes, second-hand watches, and pen lights. 

Scholarships can cover some, if not all, costs of returning to school, especially if you apply for multiple. Some scholarship sponsors may require you to be a member of a nursing organization before you can apply. Fortunately, some membership dues are as low as $80 per year, and you’ll have access to other membership benefits like free continuing education credits, job boards, retailer discounts, and more. 

10 Scholarships for South Dakota RNs 

If you need help paying for your graduate program, explore these 10 scholarships for South Dakota RNs.  

Visit each sponsor’s website to confirm deadlines, eligibility, and monetary awards. Most scholarships are offered annually, so mark your calendars.

South Dakota Nurses Foundation Scholarship

• Sponsor: South Dakota Nurses Foundation 
• Award: $2,000 
• Deadline: October 
• Eligibility: For graduate students pursuing an MSN or doctoral degree in nursing or a related field in an accredited program with the goal of practicing nursing in a South Dakota high-need area or teaching in a South Dakota BSN or higher degree nursing education program. Must be a South Dakota resident holding a South Dakota RN license, and a member of the South Dakota Nurses Association for at least one year. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and submit two letters of recommendation. 
• Details: https://sdnursesassociation.nursingnetwork.com/page/72461-scholarships  

Nurse Practitioner Association of South Dakota Scholarship

• Sponsor: Nurse Practitioner Association of South Dakota (NPNSD) 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: October 
• Eligibility: For NPASD members enrolled in a South Dakota NP program (or online program with the majority of in-person clinical experiences in South Dakota). Must be enrolled in (or have completed) at least one NP course, and intend to practice in South Dakota after graduation. Award recipient must become the student representative on the NPASD Board of Directors for the following year. 
• Details: https://npasd.enpnetwork.com/nurse-practitioner-news/222979-npasd-scholarship-information  

South Dakota Emergency Nurses Association Academic Scholarship 

• Sponsor: South Dakota Emergency Nurses Association (SD ENA) 
• Award: up to $500 
• Deadline: (not specified) 
• Eligibility: For SD ENA members pursuing a college degree. 
• Details: https://www.sdena.org/scholarships.html  

Rita H. Walsh Scholarship

• Sponsor: South Dakota Nurses Foundation 
• Award: $2,000 
• Deadline: October 
• Eligibility: For students pursuing a BSN or higher degree in nursing. Must be a South Dakota resident holding a South Dakota RN license, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and submit two letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member and the other from a professional colleague or employer). 
• Details: https://sdnursesassociation.nursingnetwork.com/page/72461-scholarships  

Michael Kelly Smith, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Scholarship

• Sponsor: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Foundation 
• Award: $3,000 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For South Dakota students enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program. Priority will be given to students involved with the South Dakota Association of Nurse Anesthetists (SDANA). Additional scholarships are available.  
• Details: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/education-grants-and-scholarships/foundation-scholarship  

Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Scholarship Program

• Sponsor: U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) 
• Award: (full ride) 
• Deadline: September 
• Eligibility: For applicants enrolled or accepted into a full-time accredited academic program in nursing (certified psychiatric NP or any MSN program). Award recipients will also receive a monthly $1,300 stipend to cover living expenses. Must commit to working full-time for the VA for at least two years after graduation. May work at a South Dakota VA or any other VA location in the U.S. 
• Details: https://vacareers.va.gov/job-news-advice/apply-influential-va-scholarship-programs/  

Advancing Nurse Leadership in Post-Acute Care Scholarship

• Sponsor: American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) 
• Award: $5,000 
• Deadline: October 
• Eligibility: For RNs pursuing a higher degree. Must currently work in post-acute care and submit a recommendation letter from a director of nursing, facility administrator, or similar supervisor.  
• Details: https://www.aapacn.org/foundation/advancing-nurse-leadership-scholarship/  

Oncology Nursing Foundation Master’s and Doctoral Scholarships

• Sponsor: Oncology Nursing Foundation 
• Award: $5,000 (multiple) 
• Deadline: February 
• Eligibility: For RNs enrolled in (or accepted into) an accredited Masters, DNP, or Ph.D. program. Must submit one letter of recommendation and demonstrate a commitment to oncology nursing. 
• Details: https://onsfoundation.org/funding-for-nurses/education/masters-scholarships  

American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nurses, Education Scholarship

• Sponsor: American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nurses (AAACN) 
• Award: $1,000 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For AAACN members enrolled in (or accepted into) an accredited school of nursing or other academic program deemed by the sponsor to advance the nursing profession. Must be willing to contribute back to AAACN and/or ambulatory care nursing. 
• Details: https://www.aaacn.org/membership/scholarships-awards/education-scholarship  

National Health Services Corp Scholarship Program

• Sponsor: Health Resources and Services Administration 
• Award: Varied amount (multiple awards) 
• Deadline: (unspecified) 
• Eligibility: For full-time NP and nurse midwife students enrolled in an accredited school. NP students must specialize in adult medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, primary care pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, or women’s health. All applicants must commit to working at least two years in rural, urban, and tribal communities (those with limited access to care) after graduation. 
• Details: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/eligibility-requirements  

The Bottom Line

For South Dakota RNs, advancing your career is an excellent move, as the nursing industry has many areas of need. If finances are a determining factor for returning to school, consider applying for multiple scholarships. If lack of time is an issue, many nursing schools offer online, part-time programs, many of which are more affordable than traditional full-time programs. 

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