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Minnesota nurses earn above-average salaries and enjoy a below-average cost of living. Learn more about nursing programs in Minnesota and how to earn your RN license in the state.
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There are more than 40 state-approved associate degrees in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs available in Minnesota. Minnesota nursing salaries are higher than the national average, while the cost of living is slightly below the national average. These figures make attending nursing school in Minnesota a beneficial move for your career.
This guide can help you choose the right program for your career goals and outlines how you can earn a Minnesota nursing license.
Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Minnesota.
Explore Featured Online MSN Programs
The Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota
There are excellent nursing programs in Minnesota at the ADN and BSN levels. If you want to graduate as soon as possible, a two-year ADN program can help you earn your license faster than traditional tracks. However, a four-year BSN is more valuable if you plan on earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) or working in higher-level positions.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Minnesota, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
These rankings include
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
St Olaf College
Northfield, MN
4 years
Campus
St. Olaf, boasting one of top nursing schools in Minnesota, offers a BSN program with different concentration options. Students choose from promoting health and wellness, preventing illness, restoring health, and care of the dying.
Applicants can gain admittance as first-years, but most learners start as sophomores. Enrollees study holistic health, pharmacology, family health, gerontological nursing, and behavioral health.
Clinical experiences take place locally. Sites include the Children's Hospital of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: Northfield, Minnesota
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $52,670 per year
Admission Requirements: A minimum 2.85 cumulative GPA and prerequisite courses with a minimum 2.70 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$49,710
Out-of-state
$49,710
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
3,072
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
U of M Twin Cities operates one of most prominent nursing schools in Minnesota, started in 1909. The school now features multiple nursing programs and two clinics to train future nurses.
Nursing students learn in lecture halls, the simulated 11,000-square-foot Bentson Center, and the Health Science Education Center. Degree-seekers choose from a BSN, MSN, Ph.D. in nursing, or DNP.
U of M offers grants, waivers, fellowships, work-study programs, and scholarships for nursing students. The university distributed about $2.1 million for the 2021-2022 year.
Programs: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, Ph.D. in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, healthcare design and innovation post-baccalaureate certificate, leadership in health information technology for health professionals certificate, and post-graduate certificates
Campus: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $520 per credit for undergraduates; $1,018 per credit for graduate students
Admission Requirements: Varies
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.5% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $65,723 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,318
Out-of-state
$31,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,580
Out-of-state
$27,204
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
51,327
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Dakota County Technical College
Rosemount, MN
2 years
Online + Campus
DCTC's practical nursing program trains future LPNs through classroom lectures, stimulated labs, and hands-on experiences. Students complete their clinicals at local facilities near the Rosemount, Minnesota, campus.
Degree-seekers take 43 credits over two years in preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam. Courses teach anatomy and physiology, health career mathematics, lifespan development, and maternal and child health. Besides classes, learners complete two clinicals and a nursing capstone.
DCTC also offers a nursing assistant certificate.
Programs: Nursing assistant certificate and practical nursing diploma
Campus: Rosemount, Minnesota
Type: Public
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Tuition: $201 for nursing assistant students; $222 for practical nursing students
Admission Requirements: TEAS scores, a criminal background check, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and prerequisite courses
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.5% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,220
Out-of-state
$5,220
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
72%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,433
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Alexandria, MN
2 years
Online + Campus
ATCC equips students to become RNs in two semesters through its ADN program.
Students complete 64 credits in two phases. The first phase covers nursing fundamentals: human anatomy and physiology, lifespan psychology, and the principles of nutrition. After acceptance into the core nursing program, learners complete two clinicals and courses in advanced nursing concepts and family nursing.
ATCC, which offers in-state tuition to online students, also features a 36-credit practical nursing diploma.
Programs: Associate degree in nursing and practical nursing diploma
Campus: Alexandria, Minnesota
Type: Public
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Tuition: $176 per credit for on-site tuition; $205 for online tuition
Admission Requirements: Current LPN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $54,536 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,963
Out-of-state
$4,963
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
72%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,591
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Ridgewater College
Willmar, MN
2 years
Online + Campus
Ridgewater's ADN-to-BSN nursing programs advance the careers of LPNs and students with no nursing experience through a dual-enrollment program at Metropolitan State University.
Degree-seekers complete 30-35 nursing and 40 general education credits to earn their associate at one of the top-rated nursing schools in Minnesota. Students continuing to a BSN take another 30 nursing and 15 general education credits.
Classes cover chronic and palliative care and acute and complete care. Enrollees learn professionalism, leadership skills, and clinical reasoning through the coursework. Current LPNs receive five advanced standing credits. Ridgewater also offers a 40-credit practical nursing diploma.
Programs: Associate degree in nursing, bachelor of science in nursing, and practical nursing diploma
Campus: Willmar, Minnesota
Type: Public
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $197 per credit
Admission Requirements: Official transcripts, TEAS scores, and a minimum 2.75 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.9% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $54,109 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,316
Out-of-state
$5,316
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,255
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Riverland Community College
Austin, MN
2 years
Online + Campus
Riverland offers flexible nursing programs in Minnesota with evening and daytime formats. Riverland students earn an ASN with the option to pursue a BSN through a bridge program at Winona State University.
Full-time nursing students take day courses, clinicals, and labs 3-4 days a week. Working degree-seekers can take an evening program. Courses explore pharmacology, family nursing, health assessments, and acute care. Learners complete clinicals at the Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna campuses.
In the final semester, enrollees can study abroad, find mentorships, or take complementary therapist courses.
Programs: Associate of science in nursing, practical nursing diploma, and nursing assistant certificate
Campus: Austin, Minnesota
Type: Public
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $202 per credit for general education courses; $249 per credit for nursing courses
Admission Requirements: Active CNA registration or current LPN license, prerequisite courses with a minimum 2.75 GPA, and a minimum 58.6% TEAS score
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.3% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,086
Out-of-state
$5,086
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
63%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,475
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
Minnesota State Mankato features one of the best nursing schools in Minnesota with clinical placements in rural areas, Rochester, and the Twin Cities. Students choose from two nursing programs in Minnesota State Mankato's catalog.
The online RN-to-BSN program suits current associate degree-holding RNs. The pre-licensure nursing program offers family-focused courses for degree-seekers without a nursing background.
Over four years, learners study health assessments and nursing procedures, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing leadership and management. Minnesota State Mankato also offers a doctor of nursing practice.
Programs: Bachelor of science in nursing, RN-to-BSN, and doctor of nursing practice
Campus: Mankato, Minnesota
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $355 per credit for online learners; $315 per credit for Mankato campus students
Admission Requirements: 30 college credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA, core prerequisites with a minimum C grade average, and TEAS scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 24-48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.1% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $67,079 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,394
Out-of-state
$15,686
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,694
Out-of-state
$7,694
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
14,325
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Fergus Falls, MN
2 years
Online + Campus
M State offers three nursing programs in Minnesota for students just out of high school and experienced nurses.
Current LPNs earn an associate by completing 32 credits, including 21 prerequisites and 11 prior learning credits. M State also offers a 64-credit associate degree and a 40-credit practical nursing diploma.
The ADN covers nursing fundamentals: medical microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, reproductive health, and lifespan development. The ADN and LPN-to-ADN programs require nursing clinical hours.
Programs: LPN-to-ADN, associate degree in nursing, and practical nursing diploma
Campus: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Type: Public
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Tuition: $218 per credit
Admission Requirements: ACT/SAT scores, minimum 58.6% TEAS score, minimum 3.0 GPA for ADN applicants and 2.75 GPA for LPN-to-ADN applicants, and American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.3% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $55,026 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,965
Out-of-state
$4,965
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,086
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Winona State University
Winona, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
Founded over 50 years ago, WSU's nursing school offers a flexible RN-to-BSN degree that takes one year to complete.
Students take 30 nursing credits in research and evidence-based practice, holistics assessments, and population-based healthcare. Besides coursework, learners complete 60 clinical hours through WSU's partners. Working RNs can graduate in 1-4 years enrolled part time or in 12 months with full-time enrollment.
WSU offers nursing students a for-credit Biel Leadership Fellowship opportunity worth $1,500.
Programs: Bachelor of science in nursing, RN-to-BSN, two master of science nursing programs, six doctor of nursing practice programs, and several post-graduate certificates
Campus: Winona, Minnesota
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $4,050 per credit for Minnesota residents; $7,301 per credit for non-residents
Admission Requirements: Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing for RN-to-BSN applicants, current RN license, and a minimum 2.75 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.0% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $65,101 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,598
Out-of-state
$13,698
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,488
Out-of-state
$11,286
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
7,605
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 The Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN
4 years
Online + Campus
Saint Mary's offers an RN-to-BSN program that aligns with the institution's Lasallian principles.
Degree-seekers study in cohorts of about 40 students, completing 122 credits. The curriculum covers nursing research, pharmacology and applied mathematics, nursing ethics, and community health assessment.
Nursing students complete 585 clinical hours, 50% in the simulation lab. The program offers rolling admission and three start dates each year. Saint Mary's also features a doctor of nursing practice with a concentration in nurse anesthesiology.
Programs: Bachelor of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice
Campus: Winona, Minnesota
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $40,520 per year for undergraduate students; $955 per credit for graduate students
Admission Requirements: An associate in nursing degree, minimum 2.5 GPA, and current RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,071 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$36,050
Out-of-state
$36,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,180
Out-of-state
$9,180
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
5,548
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Minnesota
When choosing from the many nursing schools in Minnesota, consider the tuition and other costs, the NCLEX-RN pass rate, tuition costs, the format and length of the program, and where you can find clinical placement. Because accreditation is a vital factor in the degree's overall value, this guide only includes accredited nursing programs in Minnesota.
Why Become a Nurse in Minnesota
Whether you want to live in the Twin Cities area, with its many recreational amenities, or in a smaller, rural setting, you can enjoy a great quality of life in Minnesota.
While Minnesota doesn't mandate a particular nurse-to-patient ratio, it requires that each hospital create a core staffing plan. The chief nursing officer (or their designee) and other staff take responsibility for meeting these requirements.
Minnesota also recognizes nursing licenses from the surrounding states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. If you didn't attend nursing school in Minnesota and don't have a license from a neighboring state, you must apply for a license by endorsement to practice in Minnesota.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Minnesota
The average annual RN salary in Minnesota is $80,960. Nurse practitioners (NPs) in Minnesota earn an average annual salary of $120,860, considerably more than the national average of $110,680. Because the cost-of-living index is 99.6 (though higher in larger cities), your salary stretches farther than other higher paying states.
Statistics indicate that the number of nursing jobs in Minnesota could grow by 12.4% between 2018 and 2028. However, from 2014-2030, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects a surplus of 3,100 nurses. Because there are 70,820 nurses currently working in Minnesota, this surplus is small by comparison.
St. Cloud, Mankato, Rochester, and Duluth are all medium-sized cities, while the Twin Cities region hosts a population of approximately 3.6 million people. Rochester is home to the famous Mayo Clinic, which employs 11,700 nurses alone.
All of these cities offer scenic settings for year-round outdoor recreation. Most regions in Minnesota are known for their midwestern friendliness and easy-going lifestyles.
Whether you attend nursing school in Minnesota or another state, the requirements for becoming an RN are similar to those in other states. You must earn a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, pass a background check, and submit an application.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in Minnesota, you must graduate from an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. An ADN takes two years to complete, while a BSN takes four years. However, a BSN gives you an edge as a job-seeker and prepares you to enter an MSN program if you so choose.
For licensure, you must apply to the state board of nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. The total fees for a new RN license are $138.25. Nurses from neighboring states must pay a $50 verification fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Minnesota
What is the average NCLEX-RN pass rate in Minnesota?
For first-time candidates in Minnesota educated in the U.S., the average pass rate for 2020 was 83.8%. Graduates with an ADN averaged a pass rate of 80.3% and BSNs averaged a pass rate of 89.2%.
Rates for individual BSN programs in Minnesota ranged from 62.5-100%. For ADN nursing schools in Minnesota, the range extended from 47.83-97.35%. These figures do not include nursing programs in Minnesota that closed during 2020.
What is the best degree for nursing students in Minnesota?
More than half of all nurses in Minnesota hold a BSN degree — 64% have earned a BSN or higher, and 10% hold an MSN or a DNP. The right degree for you depends on your career goals. When choosing a nursing program in Minnesota, consider the cost, program length, the school's NCLEX-RN pass rate, and cultural fit.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Minnesota?
Attending nursing school in Minnesota takes approximately two years for an ADN program and four years for a BSN. An ADN degree is faster with cheaper tuition rates, but a BSN program offers more career opportunities and makes it easier to earn an MSN later on.
What financial aid programs are available for Minnesota nursing students?
There are national, state, and local financial aid programs available for nursing students in Minnesota. Some government programs offer full scholarships, plus expenses, in exchange for work in an underserved area. Check individual school websites for financial aid offerings and policies.
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