Best Nursing Programs in North Dakota (2026)

Compare 160 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in North Dakota. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

160

Programs

Schools

$70,540

Avg RN Salary

12 mo

Fastest Program

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023

Explore Nursing in North Dakota

Fastest Programs Most Affordable Programs Online Programs Programs for Working Adults How to Become a Nurse Nursing Shortage & Outlook LPN to RN Programs RN to BSN Programs Accelerated BSN Programs Nurse Practitioner Programs MSN Programs DNP Programs CRNA Programs Admission Requirements NCLEX Pass Rates Nursing License Requirements RN Salary Data

Programs by Degree Type

MSN Programs

DNP Programs

BSN Programs

ADN Programs

LPN Programs

Nursing Education in North Dakota

North Dakota offers 160 accredited nursing programs across 38 institutions, covering degree levels from LPN certificates through doctoral programs. Registered nurses in North Dakota earn an average of $70,540 per year, with 4.4% job growth projected through 2032. 98 programs offer online or hybrid delivery, making it possible to earn your degree while working.

North Dakota participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs licensed in the state to practice across all compact member states without additional licensure. All nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain licensure. Continuing education requirements include 12 hours per renewal cycle (2 years).

Tuition for nursing programs in North Dakota starts at $13,500, with community college ADN programs generally offering the lowest cost pathway to an RN license. With an average RN salary of $70,540, even the most expensive programs typically deliver a strong return on investment within 2–4 years of graduation.

Find Your Nursing Program in North Dakota

Tell us your goals and we'll match you with programs accepting applications now.

Nursing Schools in North Dakota

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	3	BSNMSN	N/A	View
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences	2	BSNMSN	91.2%	View
American Public University System	1	BSN	N/A	View
Southern New Hampshire University	1	BSN	N/A	View
Arizona State University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
University of Cincinnati	4	DNPMSN	N/A	View
University of Phoenix	4	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Regis College	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Michigan State University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Penn State World Campus	2	DNPMSN	N/A	View
University of Pennsylvania	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Gonzaga University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
University of Michigan — Flint	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Capella University	2	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Walden University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Simmons University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View

All Nursing Programs in North Dakota

Sorted by school name. Filter by degree type, cost, and duration using the links above.

Sort by

Format

Degree

Tuition (USD)

Showing 30 of 30 programs

ADNOn Campus

Rasmussen University

ADN

$36,000 total24 mo program79% NCLEX pass rate63% grad rate

Request Info

ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% grad rate

Request Info

BSNOnline

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

$35,700 total36 mo program92% NCLEX pass rate55% grad rate

Request Info

BSNOnline + Campus

Rasmussen University

BSN

$58,000 total36 mo program82% NCLEX pass rate63% grad rate

Request Info

Sponsored matches in North Dakota from our partner network — interleaved with our directory listing below.

Sponsored partner listings. We may receive compensation when you request information. Disclosure

BSNOnline

National University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate

Request Info

BSNOnline

Aspen University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$28,800 total36 mo program60% grad rate

Request Info

BSNOnline

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)

$52,000 total36 mo program91% NCLEX pass rate82% grad rate

Request Info

BSNOnline

Excelsior University

BSN Completion

$30,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate

Request Info

BSNOnline

American Public University System

BSN Completion

$27,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate

Request Info

BSNOnline

Southern New Hampshire University

BSN Completion

$50,400 total48 mo program70% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline + Campus

Arizona State University

DNP

$42,000 total36 mo program65% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline + Campus

University of Cincinnati

DNP

$33,840 total36 mo program80% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

University of Phoenix

DNP

$51,840 total36 mo program55% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Regis College

DNP

$60,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Michigan State University

DNP

$39,600 total36 mo program79% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Penn State World Campus

DNP

$36,960 total36 mo program72% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

University of Pennsylvania

DNP

$108,000 total36 mo program93% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Gonzaga University

DNP

$38,880 total36 mo program82% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

University of Michigan — Flint

DNP

$31,104 total36 mo program78% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Capella University

DNP

$46,800 total42 mo program58% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Walden University

DNP

$51,000 total48 mo program65% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Simmons University

DNP

$75,000 total36 mo program83% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

University of Texas at Arlington

DNP

$36,120 total36 mo program76% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

George Washington University

DNP

$78,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Grand Canyon University

DNP

$30,000 total36 mo program68% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Drexel University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program75% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Johns Hopkins University

DNP

$88,000 total36 mo program92% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Sacred Heart University

DNP

$65,000 total36 mo program78% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Maryville University

DNP

$36,000 total36 mo program74% grad rate

Request Info

DNPOnline

Liberty University

DNP

$28,620 total36 mo program72% grad rate

Request Info

Showing 30 of 160 programs. View all programs in North Dakota

Start Your Nursing Career in North Dakota

Get matched with accredited programs that fit your budget and schedule.

How many nursing programs are available in North Dakota?

There are 160 accredited nursing programs available in North Dakota, spanning LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP degree levels. Programs are offered in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.

How much does nursing school cost in North Dakota?

Nursing program tuition in North Dakota starts as low as $13,500. Costs vary widely by degree level and institution type. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable, while private BSN programs may cost $30,000–$70,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

How long does nursing school take in North Dakota?

The fastest nursing programs in North Dakota can be completed in as little as 12 months. 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 with a prior bachelor's degree can be completed in 12–18 months.

What is the average nurse salary in North Dakota?

Registered nurses in North Dakota earn an average of $70,540 per year ($34/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in North Dakota is projected to grow 4.4% through 2032.

Can I complete nursing school online in North Dakota?

Yes. There are 98 online and hybrid nursing programs available to North Dakota residents. Online programs deliver lectures and coursework digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours at approved healthcare facilities. Many programs arrange clinical placements within North Dakota.

What are the nursing license requirements in North Dakota?

To practice nursing in North Dakota, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the North Dakota Board of Nursing. North Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 12 continuing education hours required.

Is there a nursing shortage in North Dakota?

Yes. Like most states, North Dakota is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 4.4% 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 North Dakota?

GPA requirements for nursing programs in North Dakota 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.

Nursing Programs in Nearby States

Minnesota Montana South Dakota

Free Program Matching

Get Matched with Accredited Nursing Programs

Tell us your zip code and program preference, and we’ll connect you with top nursing schools that match your goals — tuition budget, schedule, and location.

Takes 30 seconds — completely freeCompare tuition, accreditation, and program lengthNo spam — only programs that fit your criteria

Find Programs Near You

Enter your details to see matching programs.