RN Programs in Minnesota
Ranked RN and BSN Programs in Minnesota
After evaluating 1,209 ADN, 794 BSN, 2,022 campus and 383 online RN programs, we ranked RN programs against criteria nurses found to be most valuable. We spent $27,700 on this unique list that has helped tens-of-thousands of nurses apply to the right program for their career goals. Find NCLEX passing scores, tuition rates, nursing program accreditation, institution accreditation and more. Explore our RN-ADN and RN-BSN rankings for Minnesota in the listings below.A candidate is required to complete a professional nursing program that has been approved in Minnesota or the board in one of the other 50 states. As of 2016, nursing programs in Minnesota will be required to hold programmatic accreditation or candidate status. There are several resources available to nurses who are looking for the best nursing program possible. One resource is the Minnesota Student Nurses Association and membership is not required.
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/logo_head.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org"){kind=logo}
Ranked Schools : 24
Evaluated Schools : 24
RN Programs in Minnesota
Nursing students in Minnesota have the option of attending schools that have partnerships with universities under the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE). MANE allows students to advance into BSN degrees post-graduation quickly and easily. This allows students to begin their education at a community college and finish at the university-level, whether it is transferring when appropriate credits are earned or after the RN degree is earned.
RANKED 1
![Inver Hills Community College RN Programs in MN [state_name]](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/template1.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1 "Inver Hills Community College RN Programs in MN [state_name]")
ADN
Overall Score: 94.38%
Inver Hills Community College
- 2500 80th St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN - 55076-3224
- (651) 450-3000
Inver Hills Community College is located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. They offer an ADN and a BSN degree. Inver Hills Community College helped to develop the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) curriculum, which “encourages a deep understanding of key nursing concepts while addressing the changing health care environment.”
- Campus: Inver Grove Heights, MN
- Net Price: $11,425.00
- Enrollment: 5,944
- Transfer Out Rate: 33.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 13.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -28.41%
- Graduation Rate: 14.00%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 2
ADN
Overall Score: 94.05%
North Hennepin Community College
- 7411 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN - 55445
- (763) 424-0702
North Hennepin Community College is located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. They offer an ASN and an ASN – Advanced Standing. The Advanced Standing is their LPN to RN program. NHCC students may enroll in a partner school with the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education, which would enable them to complete three semesters post-graduation, allowing them to earn their BSN.
- Campus: Brooklyn Park, MN
- Net Price: $15,527.00
- Enrollment: 7,562
- Transfer Out Rate: 26.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 15.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -0.89%
- Graduation Rate: 15.60%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 3
ADN
Overall Score: 93.35%
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
- 11200 Mississippi Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, MN - 55433-3470
- (763) 433-1100
Anoka-Rapids Community College is located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. They offer a traditional RN track and an LPN to RN track. They have articulation agreements with Minnesota State University – Moorhead, Minnesota State University – Mankato, and Winona State University.
- Campus: Coon Rapids, MN
- Net Price: $12,765.00
- Enrollment: 9,320
- Transfer Out Rate: 41.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.14%
- Graduation Rate: 13.10%
- Median Borrowing: $9,125.00
- Median Payment: $95.28
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 93.16%
Normandale Community College
- 9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN - 55431-4399
- (952) 358-8200
Normandale Community College is located in Bloomington, Minnesota. They offer an ADN program. While there is not a specific LPN to RN program, LPNs do take a separate transitions course in place of a 9 credit foundations course. Normandale nursing students can also earn their BSN in conjunction with various partnerships with neighboring colleges.
- Campus: Bloomington, MN
- Net Price: $13,067.00
- Enrollment: 9,508
- Transfer Out Rate: 38.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 15.80%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -4.50%
- Graduation Rate: 15.70%
- Median Borrowing: $9,156.00
- Median Payment: $95.60
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 5
ADN
Overall Score: 91.20%
Rochester Community and Technical College
- 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN - 55904-4999
- (507) 285-7210
Rochester Community and Technical College is located in Rochester, Minnesota. They offer an ADN degree. There is not a separate LPN to RN program, but LPNs are given advanced placement based on their past education and licensure.
- Campus: Rochester, MN
- Net Price: $14,766.00
- Enrollment: 6,057
- Transfer Out Rate: 27.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.70%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 3.53%
- Graduation Rate: 19.40%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 6
ADN
Overall Score: 89.37%
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
- 1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN - 55403-1779
- (612) 659-6000
- Campus: Minneapolis, MN
- Net Price: $14,309.00
- Enrollment: 9,691
- Transfer Out Rate: 22.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 21.00%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.26%
- Graduation Rate: 13.70%
- Median Borrowing: $10,500.00
- Median Payment: $109.63
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 7
ADN
Overall Score: 87.81%
Alexandria Technical & Community College
- 1601 Jefferson Streeet, Alexandria, MN - 56308
- (320) 762-0221
- Campus: Alexandria, MN
- Net Price: $13,698.00
- Enrollment: 2,845
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -2.89%
- Graduation Rate: 54.90%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 8
ADN
Overall Score: 87.50%
Northwest Technical College
- 905 Grant Avenue SE, Bemidji, MN - 56601-4907
- (218) 333-6600
- Campus: Bemidji, MN
- Net Price: $10,283.00
- Enrollment: 1,216
- Transfer Out Rate: 17.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.00%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.77%
- Graduation Rate: 29.10%
- Median Borrowing: $8,000.00
- Median Payment: $83.53
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 9
ADN
Overall Score: 87.21%
Century College
- 3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN - 55110
- (651) 770-3200
- Campus: White Bear Lake, MN
- Net Price: $9,004.00
- Enrollment: 10,073
- Transfer Out Rate: 27.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.80%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -32.35%
- Graduation Rate: 12.60%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 10
ADN
Overall Score: 86.70%
Rasmussen College-Minnesota
- 226 Park Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN - 56301-3713
- (320) 251-5600
- Campus: St. Cloud, MN
- Net Price: $20,043.00
- Enrollment: 5,485
- Transfer Out Rate: 22.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 6.73%
- Graduation Rate: 37.10%
- Median Borrowing: $14,728.00
- Median Payment: $153.78
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 11
ADN
Overall Score: 86.67%
Central Lakes College-Brainerd
- 501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN - 56401-3900
- (218) 855-8000
- Campus: Brainerd, MN
- Net Price: $10,096.00
- Enrollment: 4,350
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 18.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.27%
- Graduation Rate: 34.80%
- Median Borrowing: $10,500.00
- Median Payment: $109.63
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 12
ADN
Overall Score: 85.22%
Hibbing Community College
- 1515 E 25th St, Hibbing, MN - 55746
- (218) 262-7200
- Campus: Hibbing, MN
- Net Price: $8,942.00
- Enrollment: 1,376
- Transfer Out Rate: 18.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 16.28%
- Graduation Rate: 32.20%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 13
ADN
Overall Score: 83.64%
South Central College
- 1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, MN - 56003-1920
- (507) 389-7200
- Campus: North Mankato, MN
- Net Price: $10,658.00
- Enrollment: 3,410
- Transfer Out Rate: 20.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.80%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -4.43%
- Graduation Rate: 21.60%
- Median Borrowing: $10,000.00
- Median Payment: $104.41
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 14
ADN
Overall Score: 83.25%
Ridgewater College
- 2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN - 56201
- (800) 722-1151
- Campus: Willmar, MN
- Net Price: $8,606.00
- Enrollment: 3,766
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 0.22%
- Graduation Rate: 42.80%
- Median Borrowing: $9,573.00
- Median Payment: $99.95
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 15
ADN
Overall Score: 83.07%
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
- 1593 11th Ave, Granite Falls, MN - 56241
- (800) 658-2330
- Campus: Granite Falls, MN
- Net Price: $9,667.00
- Enrollment: 3,231
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.00%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -4.53%
- Graduation Rate: 46.50%
- Median Borrowing: $11,000.00
- Median Payment: $114.85
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 16
ADN
Overall Score: 82.94%
St Cloud Technical and Community College
- 1540 Northway Drive, Saint Cloud, MN - 56303-1240
- (320) 308-5000
- Campus: Saint Cloud, MN
- Net Price: $8,463.00
- Enrollment: 4,946
- Transfer Out Rate: 22.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 13.80%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 7.26%
- Graduation Rate: 28.00%
- Median Borrowing: $8,778.00
- Median Payment: $91.65
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 17
ADN
Overall Score: 81.77%
Riverland Community College
- 1900 8th Ave NW, Austin, MN - 55912-1473
- (507) 433-0600
- Campus: Austin, MN
- Net Price: $9,743.00
- Enrollment: 3,308
- Transfer Out Rate: 18.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 19.00%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 1.71%
- Graduation Rate: 31.30%
- Median Borrowing: $10,294.00
- Median Payment: $107.48
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 18
ADN
Overall Score: 81.55%
Northland Community and Technical College
- 1101 Hwy One East, Thief River Falls, MN - 56701
- (218) 683-8800
- Campus: Thief River Falls, MN
- Net Price: $11,274.00
- Enrollment: 3,792
- Transfer Out Rate: 21.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 32.06%
- Graduation Rate: 28.30%
- Median Borrowing: $11,193.00
- Median Payment: $116.87
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 19
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 80.16%
St Catherine University
- 2004 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, MN - 55105
- (651) 690-6000
- Campus: Saint Paul, MN
- Net Price: $23,994.00
- Enrollment: 3,559
- Transfer Out Rate: 29.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.20%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 9.45%
- Graduation Rate: 61.20%
- Median Borrowing: $25,000.00
- Median Payment: $261.03
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 20
ADN
Overall Score: 78.38%
Lake Superior College
- 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN - 55811-3399
- (800) 432-2884
- Campus: Duluth, MN
- Net Price: $13,193.00
- Enrollment: 5,394
- Transfer Out Rate: 21.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.33%
- Graduation Rate: 29.10%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 21
ADN
Overall Score: 77.78%
Pine Technical College
- 900 4th St SE, Pine City, MN - 55063
- (320) 629-5100
- Campus: Pine City, MN
- Net Price: $11,553.00
- Enrollment: 1,098
- Transfer Out Rate: 25.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.80%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 1.47%
- Graduation Rate: 22.40%
- Median Borrowing: $12,415.00
- Median Payment: $129.63
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 22
ADN
Overall Score: 76.93%
Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical
- 1250 Homer Rd, Winona, MN - 55987
- (507) 453-2700
- Campus: Winona, MN
- Net Price: $14,315.00
- Enrollment: 2,207
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 18.20%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.20%
- Graduation Rate: 28.90%
- Median Borrowing: $11,000.00
- Median Payment: $114.85
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 23
ADN
Overall Score: 75.73%
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN - 56537-1000
- (218) 736-1500
- Campus: Fergus Falls, MN
- Net Price: $11,095.00
- Enrollment: 6,464
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 21.00%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.89%
- Graduation Rate: 31.80%
- Median Borrowing: $10,545.00
- Median Payment: $110.10
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 24
ADN
Overall Score: 71.27%
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
- 2101 14th St, Cloquet, MN - 55720-2342
- (218) 879-0800
- Campus: Cloquet, MN
- Net Price: $9,462.00
- Enrollment: 2,272
- Transfer Out Rate: 19.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 22.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -21.06%
- Graduation Rate: 19.70%
- Median Borrowing: $11,000.00
- Median Payment: $114.85
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Minnesota | BSN Programs in Minnesota | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Minnesota RN Licensing Requirements
RN Licensure by Exam
Before a candidate can apply for the NCLEX exam, he/she must submit a Registered Nurse Licensure by Examination Application and submit the necessary non-refundable fee. Candidates must also provide evidence that they have not engaged in conduct, which warranted disciplinary action. The school must submit a completed Confirmation of Program Completion from a nursing program. When these steps have been completed, register to take the NCLEX through the Pearson VUE website and schedule a test when an authorization to test has been received. This authorization is valid for 90 days.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Registered nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states may obtain licensure in the state of Minnesota by endorsement. In order to be granted licensure by endorsement, candidates must complete the following:
- Submit a Licensure by Endorsement Application form and fee
- Verification of Licensure
- Confirmation of Nursing Employment for Licensure by Endorsement
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
In some cases, nurses can gain licensure after being trained in a foreign country. In order to do so, the following tasks must be completed:
- Pass an approved English proficiency test such as TOEFL unless the candidate has graduated from a nursing education program in an English-speaking country
- Successfully pass the NCLEX exam
- Acceptable non-refundable application fee
Helpful Nursing Resources
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i0.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/BSNseal-1.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org")
Ranked Schools : 14
Evaluated Schools : 26
BSN Programs in Minnesota
The eligibility for acceptance into a Minnesota BSN program has the same general requirements and they include:
- Current Minnesota RN license
- Official transcript
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 and a 3.0 in previous nursing courses
- Completed prerequisite courses
- Personal reference forms
- Official degree plan completed with an academic advisor
Programs can be completed online or at a campus but the programs are very similar. There is usually a transition course that must be completed before other nurse courses. A typical program requires the following courses:
- Theoretical Foundation for Nursing Practice
- Nursing Research
- Care of Diverse Populations
- Public Health Nursing
- Gerontological Nursing to Promote Successful Aging
- Leadership and Professional Development
RANKED 1
BSN
Overall Score: 95.75%
Concordia College at Moorhead
- 901 S 8th St, Moorhead, MN - 56562
- (218) 299-4200
Concordia College is located in Moorhead, Minnesota. They offer both a traditional BSN program and an accelerated BSN program; their accelerated BSN program is offered to students with a prior bachelor’s degree. Their program is unique in that students occasionally get to travel abroad as a nursing outreach program.
- Campus: Moorhead, MN
- Net Price: $21,075.00
- Enrollment: 2,531
- Loan Default Rate: 2.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 10.35%
- Graduation Rate: 71.00%
- Median Borrowing: $24,960.00
- Median Payment: $260.61
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 2
BSN
Overall Score: 93.55%
Saint Cloud State University
- 720 Fourth Ave. South, Saint Cloud, MN - 56301-4498
- (320) 308-0121
St. Cloud State University is located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. They offer both a BSN and an RN to BSN program. St. Cloud State University is proud to note that they offer education to over 700 student veterans and active military servicemen and servicewomen.
- Campus: Saint Cloud, MN
- Net Price: $12,884.00
- Enrollment: 15,134
- Transfer Out Rate: 34.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 7.20%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 13.58%
- Graduation Rate: 47.10%
- Median Borrowing: $15,575.00
- Median Payment: $162.62
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 3
BSN
Overall Score: 93.38%
Crown College
- 8700 College View Drive, Saint Bonifacius, MN - 55375-9001
- (952) 446-4100
Crown College is located in Bonifacius, Minnesota. It is a private Christian College offering a BSN degree. The BSN program is a biblically-based nursing education, including a Christian core of classes, in addition to nursing classes and other core classes.
- Campus: Saint Bonifacius, MN
- Net Price: $21,538.00
- Enrollment: 1,139
- Loan Default Rate: 6.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 3.56%
- Graduation Rate: 51.50%
- Median Borrowing: $19,125.00
- Median Payment: $199.69
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 4
BSN
Overall Score: 92.98%
Bemidji State University
- 1500 Birchmont Dr, Bemidji, MN - 56601
- (800) 475-2001
Bemidji State University is located in Bemidji, Minnesota. They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program. They also offer a study abroad program in May, where students have the ability to travel to South Africa, in conjunction with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
- Campus: Bemidji, MN
- Net Price: $12,749.00
- Enrollment: 4,727
- Transfer Out Rate: 35.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 8.50%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 9.82%
- Graduation Rate: 46.40%
- Median Borrowing: $13,625.00
- Median Payment: $142.26
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 5
BSN
Overall Score: 91.42%
Winona State University
- 8th and Johnson St, Winona, MN - 55987-5838
- (507) 457-5000
Winona State University is located in Winona, Minnesota. They offer a pre-licensure program (a BSN program) and an RN-BSN completion program. They are proud to note that 96% of their 2012-13 graduates have job placement as RNs.
- Campus: Winona, MN
- Net Price: $16,455.00
- Enrollment: 8,253
- Transfer Out Rate: 35.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 4.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.10%
- Graduation Rate: 56.10%
- Median Borrowing: $18,750.00
- Median Payment: $195.77
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 6
BSN
Overall Score: 91.03%
Minnesota School of Business-Richfield
- 1401 W 76 St, Richfield, MN - 55423
- (612) 861-2000
Minnesota School of Business is located in Richfield, Minnesota. Don’t let the name deceive you – they offer a BSN program in an on-campus format, either during the day or in the evening! The college originally began as Globe College in 1885 and has slowly evolved into the college it is today.
- Campus: Richfield, MN
- Net Price: $21,461.00
- Enrollment: 947
- Loan Default Rate: 15.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -12.43%
- Graduation Rate: 12.50%
- Median Borrowing: $25,333.00
- Median Payment: $264.51
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 7
BSN
Overall Score: 89.13%
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN - 55455-0213
- (612) 625-5000
- Campus: Minneapolis, MN
- Net Price: $15,531.00
- Enrollment: 34,449
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 3.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -3.05%
- Graduation Rate: 75.40%
- Median Borrowing: $21,432.00
- Median Payment: $223.77
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 8
BSN
Overall Score: 89.07%
Bethel University
- 3900 Bethel Dr, Saint Paul, MN - 55112
- (651) 638-6400
- Campus: Saint Paul, MN
- Net Price: $26,837.00
- Enrollment: 3,280
- Loan Default Rate: 3.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 13.42%
- Graduation Rate: 71.00%
- Median Borrowing: $21,500.00
- Median Payment: $224.48
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 9
BSN
Overall Score: 88.32%
Gustavus Adolphus College
- 800 West College Avenue, Saint Peter, MN - 56082-1498
- (507) 933-8000
- Campus: Saint Peter, MN
- Net Price: $24,535.00
- Enrollment: 2,449
- Loan Default Rate: 2.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 8.58%
- Graduation Rate: 82.30%
- Median Borrowing: $26,457.00
- Median Payment: $276.24
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 10
BSN
Overall Score: 87.99%
Minnesota State University-Mankato
- South Rd and Ellis Ave, Mankato, MN - 56001
- (507) 389-1866
- Campus: Mankato, MN
- Net Price: $12,808.00
- Enrollment: 13,467
- Transfer Out Rate: 35.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 4.70%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.70%
- Graduation Rate: 48.60%
- Median Borrowing: $16,456.00
- Median Payment: $171.82
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 11
BSN
Overall Score: 86.81%
The College of Saint Scholastica
- 1200 Kenwood Ave, Duluth, MN - 55811-4199
- (218) 723-6000
- Campus: Duluth, MN
- Net Price: $22,112.00
- Enrollment: 2,917
- Loan Default Rate: 4.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -1.80%
- Graduation Rate: 68.40%
- Median Borrowing: $21,283.00
- Median Payment: $222.22
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 12
BSN
Overall Score: 83.33%
Herzing University-Minneapolis
- 5700 W Broadway, Minneapolis, MN - 55428-3548
- (763) 535-3000
- Campus: Minneapolis, MN
- Net Price: $16,134.00
- Enrollment: 262
- Loan Default Rate: 16.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -3.75%
- Graduation Rate: 73.30%
- Median Borrowing: $14,471.00
- Median Payment: $151.09
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 13
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 83.27%
St Catherine University
- 2004 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, MN - 55105
- (651) 690-6000
- Campus: Saint Paul, MN
- Net Price: $23,994.00
- Enrollment: 3,559
- Transfer Out Rate: 29.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.20%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 9.45%
- Graduation Rate: 61.20%
- Median Borrowing: $25,000.00
- Median Payment: $261.03
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 14
BSN
Overall Score: 80.56%
Metropolitan State University
- 700 E Seventh St, Saint Paul, MN - 55106-5000
- (651) 793-1212
- Campus: Saint Paul, MN
- Net Price: $12,269.00
- Enrollment: 7,647
- Transfer Out Rate: 35.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 6.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -7.77%
- Graduation Rate: 33.90%
- Median Borrowing: $16,271.00
- Median Payment: $169.89
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Saint Johns University
- 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville, MN - 56321
- (320) 363-2011
- Campus: Collegeville, MN
- Net Price: $24,829.00
- Enrollment: 1,871
- Loan Default Rate: 2.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 4.43%
- Graduation Rate: 79.50%
- Median Borrowing: $23,158.00
- Median Payment: $241.80
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
National American University-Brooklyn Center
- 6200 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 130, Brooklyn Center, MN - 55430-4100
- (763) 852-7500
- Campus: Brooklyn Center, MN
- Net Price: $15,709.00
- Enrollment: 756
- Loan Default Rate: 21.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -10.75%
- Graduation Rate: 14.30%
- Median Borrowing: $10,637.00
- Median Payment: $111.06
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
- 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN - 55987-1399
- (507) 457-1600
- Campus: Winona, MN
- Net Price: $21,252.00
- Enrollment: 1,932
- Loan Default Rate: 3.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 9.33%
- Graduation Rate: 55.20%
- Median Borrowing: $18,957.00
- Median Payment: $197.93
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
University of Phoenix-Minneapolis St Paul Campus
- 435 Ford Rd, Saint Louis Park, MN - 55426-4915
- (866) 766-0766
- Campus: Saint Louis Park, MN
- Net Price: $20,022.00
- Enrollment: 153
- Loan Default Rate: 19.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -10.13%
- Graduation Rate: 10.50%
- Median Borrowing: $17,476.00
- Median Payment: $182.47
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
St Olaf College
- 1520 St Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN - 55057-1098
- (507) 786-2222
- Campus: Northfield, MN
- Net Price: $26,915.00
- Enrollment: 3,125
- Loan Default Rate: 1.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 2.43%
- Graduation Rate: 87.10%
- Median Borrowing: $26,336.00
- Median Payment: $274.98
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
![Capella University RN Programs in MN [state_name]](https://www.rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/cds_screenshots/413413_sc.jpg "Capella University RN Programs in MN [state_name]")
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Capella University
- 225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, MN - 55402-3389
- (888) 227-3552
- Campus: Minneapolis, MN
- Enrollment: 7,947
- Transfer Out Rate: 33.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 13.00%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Median Borrowing: $8,549.00
- Median Payment: $89.26
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Minnesota State University-Moorhead
- 1104 7th Ave S, Moorhead, MN - 56563
- (218) 477-4000
- Campus: Moorhead, MN
- Net Price: $13,267.00
- Enrollment: 6,163
- Transfer Out Rate: 35.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 6.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 13.55%
- Graduation Rate: 45.70%
- Median Borrowing: $16,582.00
- Median Payment: $173.13
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Walden University
- 100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN - 55401
- (800) 925-3368
- Campus: Minneapolis, MN
- Enrollment: 8,205
- Loan Default Rate: 7.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Median Borrowing: $12,292.00
- Median Payment: $128.34
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
College of Saint Benedict
- 37 S. College Ave., Saint Joseph, MN - 56374
- (320) 363-5011
- Campus: Saint Joseph, MN
- Net Price: $25,527.00
- Enrollment: 2,051
- Loan Default Rate: 1.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 5.74%
- Graduation Rate: 81.60%
- Median Borrowing: $25,000.00
- Median Payment: $261.03
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
National American University-Roseville
- 1550 West Highway 36, Roseville, MN - 55113-4035
- (651) 855-6300
- Campus: Roseville, MN
- Net Price: $18,496.00
- Enrollment: 371
- Loan Default Rate: 21.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 7.91%
- Graduation Rate: 25.00%
- Median Borrowing: $10,637.00
- Median Payment: $111.06
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Augsburg College
- 2211 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN - 55454
- (612) 330-1000
- Campus: Minneapolis, MN
- Net Price: $22,557.00
- Enrollment: 2,716
- Loan Default Rate: 6.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 9.78%
- Graduation Rate: 63.60%
- Median Borrowing: $25,000.00
- Median Payment: $261.03
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
National American University-Bloomington
- 7801 Metro Parkway, Suite 200, Bloomington, MN - 55425-5550
- (952) 356-3600
- Campus: Bloomington, MN
- Enrollment: 509
- Loan Default Rate: 21.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Graduation Rate: 33.30%
- Median Borrowing: $10,637.00
- Median Payment: $111.06
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Minnesota | BSN Programs in Minnesota | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Minnesota RN Licensing Requirements
RN Licensure by Exam
Before a candidate can apply for the NCLEX exam, he/she must submit a Registered Nurse Licensure by Examination Application and submit the necessary non-refundable fee. Candidates must also provide evidence that they have not engaged in conduct, which warranted disciplinary action. The school must submit a completed Confirmation of Program Completion from a nursing program. When these steps have been completed, register to take the NCLEX through the Pearson VUE website and schedule a test when an authorization to test has been received. This authorization is valid for 90 days.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Registered nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states may obtain licensure in the state of Minnesota by endorsement. In order to be granted licensure by endorsement, candidates must complete the following:
- Submit a Licensure by Endorsement Application form and fee
- Verification of Licensure
- Confirmation of Nursing Employment for Licensure by Endorsement
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
In some cases, nurses can gain licensure after being trained in a foreign country. In order to do so, the following tasks must be completed:
- Pass an approved English proficiency test such as TOEFL unless the candidate has graduated from a nursing education program in an English-speaking country
- Successfully pass the NCLEX exam
- Acceptable non-refundable application fee
Helpful Nursing Resources
Minnesota RN Job Outlook
There are many options available to nurses who have obtained a bachelor’s degree. Some of the options include: long-term care facilities, hospice, occupational, public health departments, clinics, schools, and home health. This degree will prove to be worth the time and hard work that are used in obtaining a bachelor’s degree. There are currently more than 57,000 registered nurses working in Minnesota earning a mean average income of $67,930 annually. Salaries are dependent on years of experience, education, and specialization area. The management positions tend to pay a higher salary.
Minnesota Nursing Jobs
Minnesota Registered Nursing Salaries
The Minneapolis metropolitan area has the largest amount of registered nurses employed than any other area. However, the St. Cloud metropolitan area has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 3,430 | $30.98 | $64,430 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 1,470 | $25.93 | $53,940 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 33,410 | $36.21 | $75,330 |
| Rochester, MN | 6,720 | $29.85 | $62,090 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 2,320 | $38.89 | $80,900 |
| Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | 3,680 | $31.74 | $66,020 |
| Northeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | 940 | $29.25 | $60,840 |
| Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | 2,250 | $28.50 | $59,270 |
| Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | 2,240 | $27.13 | $56,430 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data