RN Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota RN Programs at a Glance
RN Programs Offered in Minnesota
- ADN Programs: 25
- BSN Programs: 17
ADN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 82%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 62% to 92%
- Average Net-Price $12,185.24
- Net-Price Range: $8,463.00 to $23,994.00
- Average Student Loan: $10,748.60
BSN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 85%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 62% to 96%
- Average Net-Price $19,462.88
- Net-Price Range: $12,269.00 to $26,915.00
- Average Student Loan: $19,506.24
Help You Will Find on This Page
- Minnesota RN Program Guide
- Accredited RN Programs in Minnesota
- ADN Programs in Minnesota
- BSN Programs in Minnesota
- MSN Programs in Minnesota
- Online Programs in Minnesota
- Minnesota RN Licensing Requirements
- RN Salaries in Minnesota
- Best Ranked ADN Programs in Minnesota
- Best Ranked BSN Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota RN Program Guide
In our Minnesota RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key Minnesota RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.
The State of Minnesota offers 48 RN programs in 33 different cities. Public institutions offer 30 of the RN programs in the state while there are 7 private, for-profit and 11 private, not-for-profit schools that make up the rest.
In the State of Minnesota, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.
Find your ideal program from information and data in our guide to Minnesota RN Programs.
Accredited RN Programs in Minnesota
ADN 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.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Minnesota ADN Programs
Century College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Minnesota of 91.59%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $9,004.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Minnesota: 25
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 82.23%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 61.99% to 91.59%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Minnesota?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Minnesota so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in Minnesota is offered by St Cloud Technical and Community College at about $8,463.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 83.16%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by St Catherine University and it will cost about $23,994.00.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs in Minnesota: $12,185.24
- Net-Price Range for Minnesota ADN Programs: $8,463.00 to $23,994.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Minnesota Schools: $10,748.60
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Minnesota: $8,000.00 to $25,000.00
ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 23
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 1
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 1
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
NCLEX Passing Rates for Minnesota BSN Programs
St Olaf College wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Minnesota with a score of 95.65%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $26,915.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Minnesota: 17
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 85.24%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 61.88% to 95.65%
Prepare for to pass the NCLEX-RN exam with our NCLEX practice questions with rationales.
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Minnesota?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Minnesota to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in Minnesota is offered by Metropolitan State University and will cost you about $12,269.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 87.50%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by St Olaf College and will cost you about $26,915.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 95.65%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Minnesota: $19,462.88
- Net-Price Range for Minnesota BSN Programs: $12,269.00 to $26,915.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Minnesota Schools: $19,506.24
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Minnesota: $10,637.00 to $26,457.00
BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 6
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 3
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 8
MSN Programs in Minnesota
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Minnesota offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota RN Licensing Requirements
Minnesota State Board of Nursing
2829 University Avenue SE
Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: (612) 617-2270
Website: http://www.nursingboard.state.mn.us/
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $115.50
License renewal (every two years), RN: $93.50
Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs: 24 contact hours every renewal period LPNs: 12 contact hours every renewal period
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.
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
RN Salaries in Minnesota
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 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
Best RN Programs in Minnesota
Ranked Schools: 24
Evaluated Schools: 25
One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to Minnesota’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs Minnesota.
With more than 25 Minnesota associate degree in nursing programs to choose from, we hope to provide some of the critical information you need before applying to a ADN program. We ranked the top 25 ADN degree programs in the Minnesota. Research the best BSN Degrees Minnesota.
For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
RANKED 1
ADN
Overall Score: 93.40%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 2
ADN
Overall Score: 92.65%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 3
ADN
Overall Score: 92.65%
Hibbing Community College-A Technical and Community College
- 1515 E 25th St, Hibbing, MN - 55746
- (218) 262-7200
- Campus: Hibbing, MN
- Net Price: $8,683.00
- Enrollment: 1,318
- Transfer Out Rate: 21.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.80%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -2.46%
- Graduation Rate: 34.50%
- Median Borrowing: $9,408.00
- Median Payment: $108.27
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 91.05%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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):
RANKED 5
ADN
Overall Score: 90.96%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 6
ADN
Overall Score: 90.78%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 7
ADN
Overall Score: 89.11%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 8
ADN
Overall Score: 88.60%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 9
ADN
Overall Score: 87.21%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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): ACEN
RANKED 10
ADN
Overall Score: 84.56%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 11
ADN
Overall Score: 82.79%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 12
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 82.00%
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%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- 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, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 13
ADN
Overall Score: 81.97%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 14
ADN
Overall Score: 81.67%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 15
ADN
Overall Score: 81.10%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 16
ADN
Overall Score: 81.01%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 17
ADN
Overall Score: 80.53%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 18
ADN
Overall Score: 77.13%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 19
ADN
Overall Score: 76.69%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 20
ADN
Overall Score: 75.23%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 21
ADN
Overall Score: 74.52%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 22
ADN
Overall Score: 72.42%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 23
ADN
Overall Score: 64.62%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 24
ADN
Overall Score: 49.69%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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):
RANKED N/A*
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Popular Nursing Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist | Clinical Nurse Leader | Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Informatics | Nurse Executive | Nurse Educator | Adult Gerontology Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | Salary Guides: RN Salary | LPN Salary | CRNA Salary
Helpful Nursing Resources
- Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary
- Transfer RN License Between States
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Learn the differences between a Nurse Practitioner and a Physician …Holistic Nurse
Interested in Holistic Nursing? Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …Become a Flight Nurse
Become a Flight Nurse. Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …Become a Cardiac Nurse
Interested in Cardiac Nursing? Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …Geriatric Nursing
Interested in Geriatric Nursing? Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …How to Become a Hospice Nurse
Interested in Hospice Nursing? Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner Programs
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Ranked Schools: 13
Evaluated Schools: 17
One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to Minnesota’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best BSN degree programs Minnesota.
With more than 17 Minnesota BSN degree programs to choose from, we hope to provide you some of the critical information you may need before applying to a BSN degree program. We ranked the top 17 BSN degree programs in the Colorado. Research the best ADN Programs in Minnesota.
For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
RANKED 1
BSN
Overall Score: 93.42%
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
- 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): CCNE
RANKED 2
BSN
Overall Score: 92.54%
Concordia College at Moorhead
- 901 S 8th St, Moorhead, MN - 56562
- (218) 299-4000
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
- 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 3
BSN
Overall Score: 92.06%
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
- 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: 92.04%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 5
BSN
Overall Score: 90.54%
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%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.10%
- Graduation Rate: 56.10%
- Median Borrowing: $18,750.00
- Median Payment: $195.77
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 6
BSN
Overall Score: 88.37%
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
- 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 7
BSN
Overall Score: 88.09%
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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 8
BSN
Overall Score: 87.32%
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%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -3.05%
- Graduation Rate: 75.40%
- Median Borrowing: $21,432.00
- Median Payment: $223.77
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 9
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 87.13%
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%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- 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, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
BSN
Overall Score: 85.39%
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: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, 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: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 11
BSN
Overall Score: 82.09%
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
- 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, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 12
BSN
Overall Score: 79.81%
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%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.70%
- Graduation Rate: 48.60%
- Median Borrowing: $16,456.00
- Median Payment: $171.82
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 13
BSN
Overall Score: 55.03%
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
- 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):
RANKED N/A*
BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
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%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- 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, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A*
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
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%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- 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, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
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
- 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*
BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
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
- 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
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Popular Nursing Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist | Clinical Nurse Leader | Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Informatics | Nurse Executive | Nurse Educator | Adult Gerontology Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | Salary Guides: RN Salary | LPN Salary | CRNA Salary
Helpful Nursing Resources
- Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary
- Transfer RN License Between States
Recent Posts
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Salary
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) salary is typically the …Nurse Practitioner Versus Physician Assistant
Learn the differences between a Nurse Practitioner and a Physician …Holistic Nurse
Interested in Holistic Nursing? Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …Become a Flight Nurse
Become a Flight Nurse. Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …Become a Cardiac Nurse
Interested in Cardiac Nursing? Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …Geriatric Nursing
Interested in Geriatric Nursing? Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …How to Become a Hospice Nurse
Interested in Hospice Nursing? Learn about careers, educational requirements, salaries, …Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner Programs
With the primary care physician shortage there is an increasing …Parish Nursing
Learn about Parish Nurse educational requirements, salaries, job outlook, required …Public Health Nurse
Learn about Public Health Nurse educational requirements, salaries, 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 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