Best Nursing Programs in Minnesota (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 165 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Minnesota. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 86.1% first-time pass rate. RNs in Minnesota earn $84,870/year on average (BLS).
165
Programs
38
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
86.1%
Avg NCLEX (4)
97
Online / Hybrid
$85K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Minnesota nursing programs at a glance
- 165 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Minnesota (1 LPN, 2 ADN, 9 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (LPN at Rasmussen University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 91.79% (Western Governors University).
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve Minnesota students (3 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Minnesota: $84,870 (BLS) · 5.9% projected job growth through 2032.
Minnesota nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 165 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 9 BSN · 66 MSN · 22 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN at Rasmussen University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 86.1% average across 4 programs with published data · high: 91.79% (Western Governors University) |
| Delivery formats | 92 online · 5 hybrid · 3 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $84,870/yr (BLS) · 5.9% projected growth through 2032 |
BSN Programs in Minnesota
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Showing 100 of 165 programs from our directory for Minnesota.
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How to choose a nursing program in Minnesota
Minnesota is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (165 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. Registered nurses in Minnesota earn $84,870/year on average (BLS), close to the national benchmark. RN employment in Minnesota is projected to grow 5.9% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Minnesota means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Minnesota directory, the fastest listed completion time is 12 months. We track 165 accredited nursing programs in Minnesota — including 11 entry-level RN, 1 LPN/LVN pathways. Minnesota is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state — plan to license in Minnesota directly for in-state practice.
Key takeaways
- Screen Minnesota programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Minnesota.
- License in Minnesota directly — endorsement from another state is available, but Minnesota does not issue multistate compact privileges.
- Minnesota offers both LPN (1) and entry-level RN (11) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in Minnesota spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve Minnesota students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- No — license in this state directly or via endorsement.
- CE at renewal
- 24 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $84,870 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Minnesota
Programs by Degree Type
66
MSN Programs
22
DNP Programs
9
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Minnesota
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University | 3 | ADNBSNLPN | 80.8% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Herzing University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Liberty University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Minnesota?
There are 165 accredited nursing programs available in Minnesota across 38 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 9 BSN, 66 MSN, and 22 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Minnesota?
Nursing program tuition in Minnesota starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Minnesota?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Minnesota can be completed in 12 months (LPN at Rasmussen University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Minnesota?
Registered nurses in Minnesota earn an average of $84,870 per year ($41/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Minnesota is projected to grow 5.9% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Minnesota?
Yes. There are 97 online and hybrid nursing programs (92 fully online, 5 hybrid) available to Minnesota residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Minnesota.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Minnesota?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Western Governors University leads at 91.79% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)). Average across 4 programs with data: 86.1%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Minnesota?
To practice nursing in Minnesota, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Minnesota is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you will need separate licensure for each state you wish to practice in. License renewal is every 2 years with 24 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Minnesota?
Yes. Like most states, Minnesota is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5.9% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Minnesota?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Minnesota vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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