ARC-PA AccreditedProfile reviewed • Jul 12, 2026
U

University of South Dakota

PA Program

Program at a Glance

Admitted Class Size
25
Duration
24 mo
Total Cost to Complete Program
$36k
Competitiveness
Highly competitive
Campus
On-campus

Application Timeline

Review Process
Standard
Application Opens
Unlisted
Application Deadline
September 1, 2026
Program Start
July

What to Expect

Program Highlights

  • The Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program provides a comprehensive primary care education that prepares graduates to deliver high-quality health care to meet the needs of patients in South Dakota and the surrounding region.

Prerequisite Courses

Science Courses8 courses · 39 credits
Biochemistry
3 credits
Biology (general)
8 credits
Chemistry (general)+ Lab
8 credits
Human Anatomy+ Lab
4 credits
Human Physiology+ Lab
4 credits
Microbiology+ Lab
4 credits
Psychology
6 credits
Statistics
2 credits

Program site ↗ Last checked July 12, 2026 · Report a change

Other Admissions Requirements

GPA Requirements
Cumulative GPA
3.0
Healthcare Experience
Patient Care (PCE) — 500 hrs min
Required
Shadowing
Recommended
Standardized Tests
GRE
Not Required
PA-CAT
Not Required
TOEFL
Not Required

Program site ↗ Last checked July 12, 2026 · Report a change

Admitted Student Profile

See the Admitted Student Profile

Log in to view GPA, patient care hours, acceptance rate, and more.

Accreditation

Next ARC-PA review: January 2033

Program Outcomes

96%first-time, class of 2025
Official NCCPA report — verified by Meshwell
24 first-time test-takers
Cohort Year
PANCE Pass Rate
Class of 2025LATEST24 takers
96%
Class of 202423 takers
74%
Class of 202324 takers
92%
Class of 202225 takers
92%
Class of 202125 takers
96%

PANCE Pass Rate refers to the percentage of graduates who passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination on their first attempt. This is a key indicator of program quality and student preparation.

Source: Official PANCE Scorecard, 2025

PANCE and NCCPA are registered trademarks of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Meshwell is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCCPA.

Financial Investment

In-State Tuition$36,000
Out-of-State Tuition$90,705
Total Cost to Complete Program$36,000
Seat Deposit$400(Non-refundable)
Scholarships & Financial Aid

None added.

Quick Loan Calculator

7.5%
10 years
Est. Monthly Payment$0

*Estimated payment based on standard repayment plan. Does not include origination fees or other factors.

Contact

University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street Center for Health Education Vermillion South Dakota 57069
Visit Program Websitepa@usd.edu

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Frequently asked questions about the University of South Dakota PA program

Answers generated from this program's profile data on Meshwell.

What GPA do you need for the University of South Dakota PA program?

The University of South Dakota PA program requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to apply. Recently admitted students had a median GPA of 3.8 and a median science GPA of 3.7.

How many patient care hours does the University of South Dakota PA program require?

The University of South Dakota PA program requires at least 500 hours of hands-on patient care experience.

How much does the University of South Dakota PA program cost?

The total cost to complete the University of South Dakota PA program is about $36,000 in tuition and fees, excluding housing and other living costs. Tuition is $36,000 for in-state students and $90,705 for out-of-state students.

How long is the University of South Dakota PA program?

The University of South Dakota PA program is 24 months long (2 years) from matriculation to graduation.

How competitive is the University of South Dakota PA program?

The University of South Dakota PA program is highly competitive. It admits a class of 25 students.

Is the GRE required for the University of South Dakota PA program?

No. The University of South Dakota PA program does not require the GRE for admission.

When is the application deadline for the University of South Dakota PA program?

The application deadline for the University of South Dakota PA program is September 1, 2026. Applications are reviewed after the deadline rather than on a rolling basis.

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