Most Affordable Nursing Programs in Minnesota (2026)
29 nursing programs at Minnesota schools and campuses list tuition — the lowest is Capella University's RN to BSN (FlexPath) at $10,400 total. Online programs from 41 more out-of-state schools also enroll Minnesota residents, from $8,100.
Key takeaways for Minnesota tuition
- Tuition at Minnesota schools and campuses ranges from $10,400 to $72,000 total.
- Compare tuition against the school's board-reported NCLEX pass rate — the cheapest program is not always the best value.
Compare tuition and financial aid for Minnesota nursing programs
| Program | Delivery | Length | Total tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capella UniversityRN to BSN (FlexPath)Online · 18 months | Online | 18 mo | $10,400 |
| Rasmussen UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 18 months | Online | 18 mo | $16,000 |
| Capella UniversityRN to BSN (GuidedPath)Online · 24 months | Online | 24 mo | $19,800 |
| Rasmussen UniversityLPNOn Campus · 12 months | On Campus | 12 mo | $21,000 |
| Walden UniversityOnline BSN to MSN – Nursing InformaticsOnline · 18 months | Online | 18 mo | $26,765 |
Partner programs in Minnesota.
Directory totals below remain the source. These listings are sponsored.
Sponsored · Disclosure
More Minnesota nursing programs by tuition
Source: MyNursingSchools program directory totals as of 2026-08-21. Programs without published tuition are omitted. Net price after aid may differ — confirm with each school.
Cheapest online programs open to Minnesota residents
These schools are based outside Minnesota but enroll residents online. Clinical hours are still completed locally, and some programs charge out-of-state rates — confirm with the school.
| Program | Delivery | Length | Total tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University SystemRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $8,100 |
| Florida State UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $9,000 |
| University of Alabama at BirminghamRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $9,600 |
| University of South FloridaRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $9,600 |
| American Public University SystemMSN — Nursing LeadershipOnline · 24 months | Online | 24 mo | $9,720 |
| Ohio State UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $9,900 |
| University of Illinois ChicagoRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $10,200 |
| Arizona State UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $10,570 |
| University of CincinnatiRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $10,800 |
| University of Maryland — BaltimoreRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $11,400 |
Getting the Best Value from Nursing School in Minnesota
Affordable is not the same as cheapest. The best-value program in Minnesota is the one with the lowest cost per outcome — weigh tuition against the NCLEX first-time pass rate and job placement, not sticker price alone. A public in-state BSN or a community-college ADN with a strong pass rate often beats a rock-bottom program that graduates fewer of its students.
Net price is what matters, so stack aid against the sticker. Pell Grants, Minnesota state nursing scholarships, and hospital tuition reimbursement (RN-to-BSN is frequently employer-funded) move the real cost far more than a small difference in listed tuition. File the FAFSA before you enroll to see your true out-of-pocket number.
Measure payback, not price. At Minnesota’s average RN wage a well-chosen program typically pays for itself within a few years — so a mid-priced degree that gets you licensed and hired quickly can be the better financial decision than the cheapest option on the page.
Career Outlook for Minnesota Nurses
Affordability is only half the equation — demand and earning ceiling determine how quickly a program pays for itself.
At or near the 6% national average. Demand remains stable across most specialties.
Per hour (BLS). Overtime and travel nursing contracts pay a significant premium above this base.
Minnesota grants full independent practice to NPs — no physician oversight required, maximizing earning potential for MSN/DNP graduates.
Job growth and hourly rate: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. NP practice authority: AANP 2024.
Already licensed? Next credentials for Minnesota nurses
Pass rates and sticker price are for the first license. Working RNs in Minnesota often stack an online RN-to-BSN, then an NP specialty. Online RN-to-BSN options serving Minnesota include Walden University at $27,710 listed total tuition in our directory. Minnesota grants nurse practitioners full practice authority: NPs can evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications — including controlled substances — under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing, without a required physician collaboration agreement.
- Bridge for working RNsRN-to-BSN programs in Minnesota
Employer-funded bridges are common. Directory listed totals include Walden University at $27,710.
- Nurse practitionerFNP programs in Minnesota
Minnesota is a full-practice NP state (AANP). Family NP is the mainstream primary-care specialty.
- NP specialtyPMHNP programs in Minnesota
Psychiatric-mental health NP tracks for BSN-prepared nurses planning advanced practice in Minnesota.
Related Pages
How much does nursing school cost in Minnesota?
What are the cheapest nursing schools in Minnesota with financial aid?
Are affordable nursing programs in Minnesota as good as expensive ones?
How strong is the nursing job market in Minnesota?
What are the prerequisite requirements for nursing programs in Minnesota?
Compare nursing programs in Minnesota
- All nursing programs in Minnesota
- Online nursing programs in MinnesotaPrograms delivered primarily online for students who can't relocate.
- No-waitlist nursing schools in MinnesotaPrograms reporting open seats rather than a waitlist queue.
- Accelerated BSN programs in MinnesotaSecond-degree tracks for applicants who already hold a bachelor's.
- Fastest programs in Minnesota
- ADN programs in MinnesotaAssociate-degree and community-college routes to RN licensure.
- BSN programs in MinnesotaFour-year pre-licensure bachelor's degrees for first-time RNs.