Minnesota Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide
The following guide is designed to provide you with key information on the many nursing programs available in the state of Minnesota. Minnesota’s colleges and universities allow students to earn an undergraduate or a graduate degree through a variety of formats, with concentrations in nursing education, pediatric nurse practitioner, and adult gerontology nurse practitioner. If you need a more flexible option for earning a nursing degree, you may want to consider an online program.
Quick Facts
- 52 schools with nursing programs in Minnesota are in our database (see below).
- 30 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
- 22 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
- 11 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
- 1 school ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
- No schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
- 2 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
- 3 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4
Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Minnesota
Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges 2018*
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (#23 in-state, #10 out-of-state)
*Institution-wide ranking.
US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
- St. Catherine University (#190 tie)
- Minnesota State University-Moorhead (#201 tie)
US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (#26 tie)
- College of St. Scholastica (#136 tie)
- Metropolitan State University (#149 tie)
Read below where you will find more in-depth information about the nursing programs available in Minnesota.
NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Minnesota
The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Minnesota nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Minnesota Board of Nursing (https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/).
| School | ADN or LVN Program | BSN Program | Graduate Nursing Program | ACEN/CCNE Accred.* | NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate** | # Taking | NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^ | # Taking | Net Price^^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 85.45% | 55 | 75.86% | 29 | $13,723 |
| Anoka-Ramsey Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 78.22% | 202 | $10,974 |
| Anoka Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 89.29% | 56 | N/A | N/A | $12,930 |
| Augsburg College | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $25,760 |
| Bemidji State University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 90.24% | 41 | $13,798 |
| Bethel University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 74% | 81 | $27,963 |
| Central Lakes College | Yes | No | No | No | 77.36% | 53 | 68% | 75 | $9,879 |
| Century Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 91.89% | 111 | $8,184 |
| College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 90% | 50 | $26,185 |
| College of St. Scholastica | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 85.08% | 181 | $22,719 |
| Concordia College Minnesota | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 88.57% | 35 | $23,426 |
| Crown College | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 86.67% | 15 | $22,426 |
| Dakota County Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 87.76% | 49 | N/A | N/A | $11,678 |
| Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 36.84% | 19 | 51.52% | 33 | $8,704 |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 89.29% | 28 | $23,552 |
| Hennepin Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 73.58% | 106 | N/A | N/A | $13,728 |
| Hibbing Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 92.19% | 64 | $9,041 |
| Inver Hills Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 87.50% | 80 | $11,437 |
| Itasca Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 79.17% | 24 | N/A | N/A | $11,106 |
| Lake Superior College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 26 | 93.02% | 86 | $12,384 |
| Mesabi Range Community & Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 81.82% | 33 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Metropolitan State University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 73.91% | 23 | $14,625 |
| Minneapolis Community & Technical College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 66.67% | 3 | 84.3% | 121 | $12,752 |
| Minnesota State College Southeast | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 55.17% | 29 | 61.70% | 47 | $14,662 |
| Minnesota State Community & Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 91.67% | 84 | 82.86% | 105 | $10,098 |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 76.54% | 81 | $13,515 |
| Minnesota West Community & Technical College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 95.56% | 45 | 73.75% | 80 | $9,707 |
| Normandale Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 84.91% | 106 | $12,328 |
| North Hennepin Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 79.84% | 124 | $10,036 |
| Northland Community & Technical College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 86.18% | 123 | 84.42% | 77 | $10,758 |
| Northwest Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 100% | 9 | 68.75% | 80 | $10,359 |
| Pine Technical & Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 85.37% | 41 | 73.08% | 26 | $10,295 |
| Presentation College | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 83.33% | 24 | N/A |
| Ridgewater College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 90% | 100 | 85.53% | 76 | $11,186 |
| Riverland Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 91.3% | 23 | 76.92% | 39 | $9,535 |
| Rochester Community & Technical College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 90.32% | 31 | 91.67% | 96 | $14,455 |
| St. Catherine University (ADN) | Yes | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 76.29% | 97 | $23,614 |
| St. Catherine University (BSN) | Yes | Yes | Yes | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 87.18% | 78 | $23,614 |
| St. Catherine University (MSN) | Yes | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 96.88% | 32 | $23,614 |
| St. Cloud State University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 87.01% | 77 | $12,935 |
| St. Cloud Technical & Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 95.92% | 98 | 91.84% | 49 | $8,667 |
| St. Mary’s University of Minnesota | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $20,131 |
| St. Olaf College | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 91.30% | 23 | $26,183 |
| St. Paul College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 79.31% | 58 | N/A | N/A | $12,725 |
| South Central College | Yes | No | No | No | 90% | 20 | 80% | 40 | $10,807 |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $14,838 |
| University of Minnesota (BSN) | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 84.78% | 134 | $15,371 |
| University of Minnesota (MSN) | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 100% | 20 | $15,371 |
| University of Northwestern St. Paul | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $24,621 |
| Winona State University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 86.90% | 145 | $16,524 |
*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).
Schools in Minnesota with Nursing Degrees
Associate’s in Nursing Programs
Minnesota North College
Minnesota North College’s Associate in Science in Nursing program offers a track for traditional, first-time nursing students as well as an advanced standing track for currently licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Courses in the curriculum include Foundations of Leadership, Care of Women and Children, and Care of the Client Affected by Acute Stressors. Students also complete clinical practicums in a variety of settings to gain real-world experience. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for registered nurse licensure. The nursing program at Minnesota North College is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Ridgewater College
Ridgewater College offers an associate degree in nursing program that includes dual enrollment in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Metropolitan State University. In this full-time program, students complete the requirements for an associate’s degree in nursing at Ridgewater College and are encouraged to continue study towards the bachelor’s degree. Students can complete the associate’s degree in five semesters, after which they are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. The BSN can be completed in an additional three semesters, and all courses towards the BSN are offered on the Ridgewater College campus. Ridgewater College’s nursing program is a member of the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) consortium.
Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
Southwest Minnesota State University
Southwest Minnesota State University features an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students will be introduced to a diverse menu of topics encompassing care of children, holistic care, leadership and management, behavioral health care, and nurse as a provider of care. Labs, which feature mannequins and role-playing, allow nursing majors to gain hands-on experience from different perspectives. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Bethel University
Bethel University provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through the 39 credit RN to BSN program. The 20-month program runs in a cohort format with classes available both online and in a hybrid format (a combination of online and on-campus classes). On-campus classes generally meet once a week and are offered at four locations: Bloomington, Arden Hills, Pine Technical College, and North Hennepin Community College. Both online and hybrid formats require students to take one class at a time. Coursework is diverse and consists of ethics, nursing leadership, nursing informatics, the professional nurse, and public health nursing.
Master’s in Nursing Programs
St. Catherine University
Graduate students in St. Catherine University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program opt for one of three concentrations in nursing education, pediatric nurse practitioner, or adult gerontology nurse practitioner. The 36 credit nurse education concentration spans two years and requires students to complete a minimum of 480 hours in a practicum. A capstone course is also mandatory. The 39 credit pediatric nurse practitioner concentration generally takes a year and a half to complete with coursework covering health promotion, alterations in health, and chronic illness and specialty health. Students opting for the adult gerontology concentration will also take 39 credits, over a year and a half on a full-time basis, to fulfill degree requirements.
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota features a Master of Nursing (MN) geared toward students who do not hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The graduate program prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and for certification in Public Health Nursing in Minnesota. Students must commit to the 53 credit program, which runs for 16 months, on a full-time basis. Coursework focuses on adults and elders, children and childbearing families, nursing research, and science of nursing intervention. Clinical practicums, which allow for hands-on experience, are also required. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree and submit GRE scores and two letters of recommendation.
Student Reviews
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Ave
St Paul, MN 55105
(651) 690-6000
https://www.stkate.edu
Student Review: “I am very happy I got to experience nursing at St. Catherine University. It’s the first school, in a long time that I truly enjoy. Nursing school was a challenging and very rewarding experience. How hard it was for each individual varied, but we had a mix of students. We had young students straight out of high school and we had adults who were married with children. St. Kate’s did well to accommodate to those with full-time jobs and parents by providing evening classes. One thing that was challenging was the lack of organization. Sometimes I felt like it was all over the place and honestly, sometimes I felt like we could have learned the material ourselves by reading the books. These were bad days, however. Otherwise, I truly loved it there and recommend it especially to parents with kids.” – Student at St. Catherine University
Winona State University-Rochester
859 30th Ave SE
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 285-7100
https://www.winona.edu/rochester
Student Review: “This college is very geared toward Nursing as most the students who start plan for the Nursing major. However, the GPA cut off for the preferred status for acceptance into the program after 3 Semesters is 3.5. I love the Rochester campus because we do our clinical experience at the Mayo Clinic which is experience parallel to none. Our class in Rochester is about 55 so we all get to know each other and the teachers know us by name which is excellent when thinking about letters of recommendation for scholarships. Overall it is a great community and fun environment for one of their most stressful times in my life.” – Student at Winona State University-Rochester
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. Minnesota Board of Nursing: https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/education/education-statistical-data/