Best Nursing Programs in North Dakota (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 175 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in North Dakota. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 89.6% first-time pass rate. RNs in North Dakota earn $70,540/year on average (BLS).
175
Programs
38
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
89.6%
Avg NCLEX (6)
98
Online / Hybrid
$71K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
North Dakota nursing programs at a glance
- 175 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in North Dakota (1 LPN, 2 ADN, 10 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: 97% (University of North Dakota – College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines).
- 98 online or hybrid programs serve North Dakota students (2 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in North Dakota: $70,540 (BLS) · 4.4% projected job growth through 2032.
North Dakota nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 175 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 10 BSN · 63 MSN · 24 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN at Rasmussen University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 89.6% average across 6 programs with published data · high: 97% (University of North Dakota – College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines) |
| Delivery formats | 93 online · 5 hybrid · 2 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $70,540/yr (BLS) · 4.4% projected growth through 2032 |
ADN Programs in North Dakota
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Showing 100 of 175 programs from our directory for North Dakota.
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How to choose a nursing program in North Dakota
North Dakota is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (175 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in North Dakota ($70,540/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in North Dakota is projected to grow 4.4% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in North Dakota 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 North Dakota directory, the fastest listed completion time is 12 months. We track 175 accredited nursing programs in North Dakota — including 12 entry-level RN, 1 LPN/LVN pathways. North Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once North Dakota is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Montana, South Dakota.
Key takeaways
- Screen North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
- North Dakota is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- North Dakota offers both LPN (1) and entry-level RN (12) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in North Dakota spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 98 online or hybrid programs serve North Dakota students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 12 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $70,540 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in North Dakota
Programs by Degree Type
63
MSN Programs
24
DNP Programs
10
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
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 |
| University of North Dakota – College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | View |
| North Dakota State University – Department of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 96.0% | 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 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in North Dakota?
There are 175 accredited nursing programs available in North Dakota across 38 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 10 BSN, 63 MSN, and 24 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in North Dakota?
Nursing program tuition in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
The fastest nursing programs listed in North Dakota 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 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 (93 fully online, 5 hybrid) available to North Dakota residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within North Dakota.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in North Dakota?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, University of North Dakota – College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines leads at 97% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)). Average across 6 programs with data: 89.6%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
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.
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