State ranked among top 50 best value DNP programs

Story written by: Matthew Schmidt

Citing the impact South Dakota State University’s College of Nursing made on the state’s health-care system as one of its factors, Value Colleges listed the college as the nation’s 21st-ranked in its Top 50 Best Value DNP Programs of 2016.

“The South Dakota State College of Nursing is one of the most significant health-care institutions in the state, educating more than a third of South Dakota’s nurses and offering the only master’s and doctoral nursing degrees in the state. South Dakota’s health-care system depends on SDSU, especially rural communities, a field in which the College of Nursing especially shines,” Carrie Sealey-Morris, Value Colleges’ editor, said. “Significantly, SDSU’s tuition rates are among the lowest in the nation, making the DNP exceptionally accessible for working nurses and getting more nurse leaders into the field where they can help.”

According to Sealey-Morris, Value Colleges offers meticulously researched, straightforward and practical answers to commonly asked questions about value and affordability when making college decisions.

“We appreciate being recognized by Value Colleges for our efforts addressing rural health care and developing nurse leaders, one of the goals in our strategic plan,” said Nancy Fahrenwald, dean of the college.

SDSU is one of the most prominent research universities in the Midwest, and, like many public institutions in areas with vast rural areas and sparse populations, has become known in recent years for developing a top-notch online presence.

Value Colleges has compiled a ranking of the top 50 Best Values in DNP programs. The list began with the AACN’s authoritative program directory. Of the 265 schools AACN lists as having a DNP program, Value Colleges ranked according to three data points:

• Reputability (U.S. News & World Report 2017 Best Grad Schools – Nursing)
• Cost (Actual per credit Tuition) (use lowest in-state)
• Projected Salary Outcome (Payscale data for midcareer/alumni of institution)

In the U.S. News & World Report rankings, SDSU was 58th of 503 nursing schools with master’s or doctoral programs accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Value Colleges’ formula gives students assurance that these 50 colleges and universities offer the strongest education with the most affordable tuition, combining to provide the best return on their educational investment. All of the programs featured are regionally accredited, reputable and well-established—and, best of all, worth every penny.