Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota | 2025

Minnesota's top nursing schools offer programs for every stage, from entry-level RN to advanced nursing degrees, catering to both aspiring and advancing nurses—find the perfect program for your goals right here.

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Article fact-checked by our Editorial Team.

Minnesota's top nursing schools offer comprehensive training, from undergraduate programs like ADN and BSN to advanced graduate degrees such as a Master's or Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP),preparing students for roles like Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, and various other advanced nursing specialties. These programs equip nurses with hands-on experience to address Minnesota's healthcare needs across urban and rural settings.

Explore our guide to the best nursing schools in Minnesota, offering insights into educational pathways, reasons to pursue nursing in the state, tips for selecting the right nursing school to advance your career, and salary expectations upon graduation.

Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota - Online & On-Campus

The selection of the following nursing schools relies on a comprehensive methodology that includes direct input from our readers, extensive data analysis, and continuous updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our team of Data Analysts dedicates over 100 hours weekly to refine our database, incorporating critical criteria like reader surveys, graduation rates, cost of attendance, mode of delivery, admission rates, and more elements valued by our community.

*Tuitions are subject to change based on a student's number of transfer credits, yearly increases, and more. Our rankings are based on the latest college data from the U.S. Department of Education complemented by additional insights from our analysts.

  1. #1 University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, CRNA, CNS, CNM, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, US
    • 1-612-625-7980

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • 83% Graduation Rate
    • 30,560 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 15,707 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 46% Men
    • 54% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 88% White
    • 3% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  2. #2 The College of Saint Scholastica

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    The College of Saint Scholastica is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including Accelerated BSN, BSN, CNA, DNP, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 1200 Kenwood Ave, Duluth, Minnesota 55811, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 97% Acceptance Rate
    • 73% Graduation Rate
    • 1,923 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,269 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 26 Average Age
    • 32% Men
    • 68% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 93% White
    • 2% Hispanic
    • 1% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  3. #3 Winona State University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Winona State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, DNP, MSN, Post Grad Certificate, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 175 West Mark Street, Winona, Minnesota 55987, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Medium Programs
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • 66% Graduation Rate
    • 5,254 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 751 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 32% Men
    • 68% Women
    • 5% Veterans
    • 94% White
    • 2% Hispanic
    • 2% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  4. #4 Rasmussen University, Minnesota

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Rasmussen University, Minnesota is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including LPN/LVN, ADN/ASN, BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 5555 96th Avenue N, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55443, US
    • 1-888-559-6763

    School Overview

    • Located in and Florida, and Illinois, and Kansas, and Minnesota, and West Virginia, Wisconsin
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate's
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • 44% Graduation Rate
    • 2,635 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 409 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 30 Average Age
    • 17% Men
    • 83% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 91% White
    • 3% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  5. #5 Capella University

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Capella University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, Masters, RN to MSN, DNP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, US
    • 1-855-668-9956

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • 25% Graduation Rate
    • 13,275 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 26,447 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 35 Average Age
    • 17% Men
    • 83% Women
    • 5% Veterans
    • 76% White
    • 9% Hispanic
    • 13% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  6. #6 Augsburg University

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Augsburg University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and NP degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 2211 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 63% Graduation Rate
    • 2,334 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 730 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 44% Men
    • 56% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 88% White
    • 3% Hispanic
    • 5% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  7. #7 Crown College

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Crown College is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 8700 College View Drive, Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota 55375, US
    • 1-952-446-4482

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Medium Programs
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • 48% Graduation Rate
    • 757 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 332 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 24 Average Age
    • 50% Men
    • 50% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 91% White
    • 3% Hispanic
    • 3% Black
    • 2% Asian
    • Specialty
      Format
      Tuition
      Score
    • Traditional BSN BSN
      On-Campus Program
      $105,750 In-State Tuition
      4.2 Program Score
    * tuition estimated

  8. #8 Walden University

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Walden University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, MSN to PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 1210, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, US
    • 1-866-539-5947

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • 31% Graduation Rate
    • 6,274 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 36,014 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 36 Average Age
    • 15% Men
    • 85% Women
    • 2% Veterans
    • 73% White
    • 9% Hispanic
    • 17% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  9. #9 Metropolitan State University

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Metropolitan State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, Entry Level Masters, DNP, MSN to DNP, DNAP, CNM, and NP degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 700 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Medium Programs
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • 58% Graduation Rate
    • 5,152 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 806 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 29 Average Age
    • 42% Men
    • 58% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 81% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 7% Black
    • 6% Asian
    • Specialty
      Format
      Tuition
      Score
    • RN to BSN BSN
      Online Program
      $19,592 In-State Tuition
      4.0 Program Score
    * tuition estimated

  10. #10 Minnesota North College

    allnurses College Ranking: C+
    0 reviews

    Minnesota North College is a public and non-profit Community College. The insitution offers a variety of , hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including ADN/ASN, CNA, LPN/LVN, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, and CNEA and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • Less-than-4-year institution
    • Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • 38% Graduation Rate
    • 2,032 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 26 Average Age
    • 54% Men
    • 46% Women
    • 2% Veterans
    • 92% White
    • 2% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  11. #11 St Catherine University

    allnurses College Ranking: C+
    0 reviews

    St Catherine University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • 2004 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 93% Acceptance Rate
    • 62% Graduation Rate
    • 2,349 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,173 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 25 Average Age
    • 5% Men
    • 95% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 4% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 4% Asian

  12. #12 Minnesota State University-Mankato

    allnurses College Ranking: C+
    0 reviews

    Minnesota State University-Mankato is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and NP degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

    • South Rd and Ellis Ave, Mankato, Minnesota 56001, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Minnesota
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • 55% Graduation Rate
    • 11,354 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,914 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 46% Men
    • 54% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 93% White
    • 3% Hispanic
    • 2% Black
    • 2% Asian
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Why Become a Nurse in Minnesota?

Choosing a nursing career in Minnesota offers rewarding opportunities, job security, and the chance to make a significant impact on public health. Here's why Minnesota is a compelling choice for aspiring nurses:

  • High Demand for Nurses: Minnesota is experiencing a high demand for nurses, driven by chronic understaffing and an aging workforce. According to recent reports, more than 50% of nurses were considering leaving their positions as of 2023 due to inadequate staffing levels and challenging work conditions. With the state's aging population and increasing healthcare needs, this shortage is particularly concerning, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is already limited. 
  • Improved Working Conditions: The Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act was introduced to address Minnesota's nursing retention crisis. By improving staffing levels and ensuring safer, more sustainable work environments, this legislation aims to keep more nurses in direct care roles. This initiative focuses on addressing nurse burnout and job dissatisfaction, making nursing a more sustainable and fulfilling career in Minnesota's healthcare system.
  • Public Health and Community Impact: Nurses play a crucial role in addressing healthcare shortages, particularly in rural areas, many of which are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). These areas face limited access to essential services, contributing to poorer health outcomes. Nurses help manage chronic conditions and improve care delivery. To address these shortages, Minnesota offers loan repayment programs and other incentives to retain nurses and ensure critical healthcare access in underserved regions.
  • Diverse Clinical Settings: Minnesota provides a wide range of clinical environments, from renowned institutions like Mayo Clinic and Hennepin Healthcare to smaller rural hospitals. Nurses can experience both fast-paced urban care and more personalized rural healthcare, offering varied opportunities to align their career goals while addressing unique challenges in underserved areas.
  • Career Advancement Opportunities: Minnesota offers excellent career advancement opportunities for nurses through graduate programs at institutions like the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. These programs prepare nurses for advanced roles such as Nurse Practitioners (NP), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), and Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA). With a focus on expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas, these programs equip nurses with leadership and specialized skills to drive healthcare improvements throughout the state.
  • Financial Advantage: Nursing salaries in Minnesota are competitive with the national average, and the state's moderate cost of living, particularly in rural areas, helps nurses maximize their income. Minnesota also offers financial incentives like loan forgiveness and scholarships, especially for those working in underserved areas. Programs like the Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness Program support nurses in repaying their student loans, making the pursuit of advanced nursing degrees more accessible and financially rewarding. This combination of competitive wages, lower living costs, and strong financial support creates excellent opportunities for nurses to get ahead in Minnesota.

With its high demand for healthcare professionals, varied clinical settings, and robust educational pathways, Minnesota is an excellent state for those looking to start or advance their nursing careers.

Steps to Become a Nurse in Minnesota

Becoming a nurse in Minnesota involves several key steps, each designed to ensure that you are well-prepared to provide high-quality care to patients. Whether you aim to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or advance your career as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), following the right educational and licensure pathways is crucial.

RN Requirements in Minnesota

  1. Complete an Accredited Nursing Program: Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing school.
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure.
  3. Apply for RN Licensure: Submit an application for RN licensure to the Minnesota State Board of Nursing (MN). This process typically involves providing your transcripts, proof of passing the NCLEX-RN, and completing a background check. For details specific to Minnesota, be sure to check the MN BON website.
  4. Obtain a Nursing License: Once your application is approved, you will be issued an RN license, allowing you to practice as a Registered Nurse in Minnesota.
  5. Pursue Continuing Education: In Minnesota, RNs are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) hours every two years for license renewal. Review the Minnesota's BON website for more details pertaining to renewal application requirements.

APRN Requirements in Minnesota

  1. Obtain and Maintain an RN License: Before pursuing APRN certification, you must be a licensed RN in Minnesota.
  2. Earn a Graduate Degree: Complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a specialization in an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role — e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife.
  3. Gain Clinical Experience: APRN programs require specific clinical hours based on your specialty and degree. All graduate-level nursing programs mandate a minimum of 500 clinical hours post-graduate. The National Task Force Standards for NP Education requires at least 750 hands-on clinical hours for NP graduates, while DNP programs require a minimum of 1,000 hours. These hands-on experiences are crucial for developing advanced nursing skills.
  4. Pass a National Certification Exam: After completing your graduate program, you must pass a national certification exam specific to your APRN role and specialization.
    • American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
    • National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) 
    • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
    • American Association of Nurse Practitioners  American Nurses(AANP) 
    • National Board of Certification CRNA (NBCRNA)
  5. Apply for APRN Licensure: Submit an application for APRN licensure to the Minnesota Board of Nursing. This may require documentation of your active RN license, advanced nursing degree, APRN certification exam results, and clinical experience. APRN license requirements vary by state, as each state has its own scope of practice regulations for APRNs. Be sure to check your Minnesota's specific guidelines to understand the requirements and scope of practice.
  6. Maintain Certification and Licensure: APRNs in Minnesota are required to maintain both their national certification and state licensure. National certification must be upheld according to the specific requirements of the certifying body for the APRN specialty. For state licensure renewal, APRNs must also complete the RN license renewal process simultaneously with their APRN license renewal to ensure both credentials remain active.

Always verify with the state board of nursing, as application requirements may change or include additional steps.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Minnesota

Salary expectations in 2025 are based on geography, experience level, education, type of nursing specialties, and the types of industry that the nurse works in.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national mean annual wage for an RN is $94,480, with the lowest 10th percentile making $63,720 and the 90th percentile making $132,680 annually. The highest employment levels were nurses in general medicine and surgical hospitals, making an annual $96,830.

Registered Nurses salary in Minnesota is about the same as the national average at a mean annual salary of $94,830 or $45.59 an hour. 

The highest salary states for RNs include:

  • California: $137,690.00
  • Hawaii: $119,710.00
  • Massachusetts: $113,440.00
  • Oregon: $111,030.00
  • Alaska: $109,210.00

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not distinguish between nursing degree levels in its data, most nurses who pursue advanced degrees, such as an MSN or DNP, aim to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) — which includes Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and Nurse Anesthetists (DNAP/CRNAs).

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for APRNs is $129,480, with employment in these roles expected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2033, reflecting strong demand for advanced practice nurses.

In Minnesota, APRNs earn the following mean annual salaries:

  • Nurse Practitioners: $135,010.00
  • Certified Nurse Midwives: $121,860.00
  • Nurse Anesthetists: $221,650.00

Note: Although Clinical Nurse Specialists are also APRNs BLS does not provide information on CNS or CNM salary.

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Minnesota

Selecting the right nursing program depends on various personal preferences. Some students emphasize tuition costs, while others prioritize pass rates, academic reputation, or other considerations. Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:

  1. Cost
  2. High NCLEX-RN Pass Rates 
  3. Location
  4. Academic Reputation
  5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
  6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
  7. Flexibility of Schedule
  8. Curriculum
  9. Campus and Surroundings
  10.  Nursing Clinicals Location
  11.  Availability of Online Course

For prospective doctorate and master's degree nursing students, additional considerations include:

  • Specialization: Ensure the program offers the right focus for your chosen specialty concentration.
  • Certification and Licensure: Meets APRN certification and state licensure requirements.
  • Certification Pass Rates: Check program national certification success rates.
  • Clinical Training: Diverse, high-quality clinical placements and/or clinical placement support.
  • Faculty Expertise: Qualified and experienced faculty.
  • Support Services: Mentoring, career services, and academic support.
  • Technology and Resources: Access to advanced technology and resources.
  • Alumni Network: Strong network for job placement and growth.
  • Interprofessional Education: Collaborative learning with other healthcare professionals.
  • State Regulations: Ensure your program is approved by the state Board of Nursing in the state where you want to work.

Choosing the right program should be based on your personal preferences and learning style. If you prefer a more flexible schedule and a longer duration for coursework and clinical practice, consider a traditional nursing program. Conversely, if you are eager to complete your education quickly and thrive in an intensive, fast-paced learning environment, an accelerated nursing program might be the better choice.

Importance of Picking an Accredited Nursing School in  Minnesota

Choosing to attend an accredited nursing school in Minnesota is important for several reasons:

  • Assurance of Educational Quality: Accredited nursing schools undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure their curriculum, faculty, and clinical training meet high standards. This guarantees that students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education, equipping them with the skills needed for successful nursing careers.
  • Licensing Requirements: Graduation from an accredited program is often necessary to meet state licensure requirements. Without attending an accredited school, students may find it challenging or even impossible to obtain the necessary credentials to practice as a registered nurse.
  • Enhanced Career Opportunities: Employers prioritize hiring graduates from accredited nursing programs because these programs are recognized for maintaining high educational standards. This preference can lead to better job prospects and career advancement opportunities in the nursing field.
  • Ease of Credit Transfer: Credits earned at an accredited nursing school are more likely to be recognized and accepted by other institutions. This is particularly important for students who may wish to transfer schools or pursue further education, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree in nursing.
  • Professional Credibility: Completing a program at an accredited nursing school adds to a nurse's professional credibility. It demonstrates that their education aligns with national standards, which is essential for advancing in the nursing profession.
  • Eligibility for Financial Aid: Accreditation is often a prerequisite for accessing federal financial aid, including grants and loans. Attending an accredited school ensures that students can receive the financial support they need to complete their education.

Given these points, it's important prospective students research whether their choice of nursing school is accredited by a recognized body such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).

More Top Nursing Programs in Minnesota

If you're interested in a specific nursing degree or specialty, we've got you covered. Explore our comprehensive guides to nursing programs across Minnesota, tailored to various career paths and levels. Find the best program for you, whether you're looking to advance your nursing career or specialize in a specific area. Check out these resources:

Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Graduate Nursing Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Minnesota

Q: Is it possible to enroll in a BSN program in Minnesota without patient care experience?

Patient care experience is not always required for direct-entry BSN programs, but it can enhance your application. Some undergraduate nursing programs, particularly RN to BSN and accelerated and second-degree BSN (ABSN) tracks, may prioritize applicants with healthcare experience.

For master's programs and other graduate-level programs in nursing, patient care experience is a standard prerequisite.

Q: Can out-of-state students enroll in Minnesota nursing programs?

Yes, out-of-state students can enroll in Minnesota nursing programs, though they may encounter higher tuition rates compared to in-state residents. Minnesota's residency requirements for in-state tuition generally involve living in the state for at least 12 months prior to enrollment.

It is important for prospective students to verify licensure eligibility in the state where they plan to work after graduation, as not all nursing programs automatically qualify graduates for RN or APRN licensure in certain states. This information can typically be confirmed on both the school's website and the state Board of Nursing.

Q: Are there online options for completing a bachelor's degree or master's degree in Minnesota?

Many online nursing programs in Minnesota cater to non-entry-level students, such as the following online nursing program options:  

These online programs are designed for nurses with clinical experience and often allow students to complete their clinical requirements near their homes. By offering a blend of online coursework and flexible clinical placements, these programs make it easier for working nurses to advance their education without needing to attend full-time, on-campus classes.

Q: How much does it cost to attend a nursing program in Minnesota?

Nursing program tuition in Minnesota varies greatly depending on the program and institution. Traditional BSN program tuition ranges from approximately $64,000 at Rasmussen University to $122,000 at Crown College. RN to BSN programs are more affordable, with tuition costs averaging around $20,000 at institutions like Metropolitan State University, Walden University, and Rasmussen University. Graduate programs like BSN to FNP can vary significantly, with tuition costs ranging from around $28,000 at the University of St. Thomas or as much as $85,000 at Augsburg University.

The wide variation in nursing school tuition makes financial planning essential when evaluating which nursing school is best for you. 

Edited by Erin Lee

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Erin Lee

About Erin Lee, BSN, RN

Editorial Team / Admin

Erin Lee has 12 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

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