Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota: 2026 RN Programs

Minnesota offers several credible ways to become a registered nurse.

Students can choose among:

• Public associate degree in nursing programs
• Public and private Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs
• LPN-to-RN mobility programs
• Accelerated BSN tracks for students with a prior bachelor's degree
• Entry-level master's programs for non-nursing graduates

The difficult part is deciding what “best” means.

A school with a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate may have tested only four students. A large public program with an 87% rate may have prepared more than 170 first-time candidates. A private college may publish a high sticker price but provide enough institutional aid to cost less than expected.

The latest statewide results also deserve scrutiny.

According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, first-time NCLEX-RN candidates educated in Minnesota recorded an 83.44% pass rate in 2025, down from 89.43% in 2024. The 2025 national rate for all U.S. RN candidates was 86.71%.

That statewide decline makes it risky to select a nursing school from reputation or one year's pass rate alone.

This guide compares Minnesota nursing programs using:

• Minnesota Board of Nursing approval
• National nursing accreditation
• 2022–2025 first-time NCLEX-RN performance
• 2025 cohort size
• Published completion and employment outcomes, when available
• Tuition and required-cost transparency
• Degree pathway
• Geographic and clinical access
• Transfer and RN-to-BSN options
• Evidence of regulatory concerns or corrective action

Minnesota Nursing Schools at a Glance

As of December 31, 2025, Minnesota had 74 Board-approved prelicensure practical and professional nursing programs:

• 23 practical nursing programs
• 25 associate degree nursing programs
• 22 baccalaureate nursing programs
• 4 entry-level master's programs

The Board reported that all Minnesota prelicensure nursing programs were nationally accredited at that time.

Accreditation may come from:

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or ACEN
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or CCNE
• National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, or CNEA

Board approval and national accreditation are related but different.

A student should verify all three when appropriate.

How We Selected the Featured Programs

This is not a prestige ranking.

We did not use commercial ranking sites or give a school points for marketing claims.

Programs were reviewed using official Board data and current school disclosures. We considered:

1. Current Board approval
2. 2025 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate
3. Four-year NCLEX trend from 2022 through 2025
4. Number of first-time candidates
5. Program type and accessibility
6. Published tuition for 2026–2027, when available
7. Transfer or advanced-standing options
8. Accreditation and disclosed conditions
9. Regional access
10. Suitability for different student goals

The four-year figures in this guide are approximate weighted rates calculated by NurseZee from the Board's published annual candidate counts and pass percentages. They are included to reduce the distortion caused by small cohorts and one unusually strong or weak year.

2025 NCLEX-RN Comparison

The 2025 rate is not a forecast of what your cohort will achieve.

Faculty changes, admission criteria, curriculum revisions, student support, cohort composition, and testing timing can all affect future outcomes.

Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota

1. Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Best for: A high-performing, affordable ADN near the Twin Cities

Anoka-Ramsey offers a 64-credit Associate of Science in Nursing at its Coon Rapids and Cambridge campuses.

The program supports:

• A traditional RN pathway
• An LPN-to-RN option
• Simulation and skills-lab learning
• RN-to-BSN transfer pathways
• Dual-application arrangements with selected Minnesota State universities

Its official outcomes are strong:

• 2023 NCLEX-RN: 96.81%
• 2024 NCLEX-RN: 98.98%
• 2025 NCLEX-RN: 96.74%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 92

That combination of a large cohort and three consecutive pass rates above 96% makes Anoka-Ramsey one of Minnesota's strongest current ADN options.

Cost Snapshot

For fall 2026 through summer 2027, Anoka-Ramsey publishes separate nursing-course rates by campus.

• Coon Rapids nursing tuition and fees: approximately $257.17 per credit
• Cambridge nursing tuition and fees: approximately $225.30 per credit

Not every credit in the 64-credit degree is necessarily billed at the nursing rate. Students should calculate the program from the actual course plan.

Budget separately for:

• Prerequisites
• Books and digital resources
• Uniforms
• Shoes
• Equipment
• Immunizations
• Background studies
• CPR certification
• Transportation and parking
• Licensure and NCLEX expenses

Important Accreditation Detail

The program is ACEN-accredited and Board-approved.

Anoka-Ramsey reports that ACEN granted continuing accreditation with conditions for two years, with a follow-up report requested by February 2027.

That does not mean the program is unaccredited. It does mean applicants should ask:

• What conditions were identified?
• What improvements have been completed?
• When will ACEN review the follow-up?
• Could the decision affect the student's expected graduation date?

Why It Stands Out

Anoka-Ramsey combines:

• Strong recent NCLEX performance
• Public-college pricing
• A substantial testing cohort
• Two campus options
• Transfer routes toward a BSN

Applicants should also review the school's campus-specific completion rates. NCLEX success describes graduates who reached the examination; completion data helps show how many admitted students reached graduation.

2. Minnesota State University, Mankato

Best for: A public-university BSN with strong recent outcomes

Minnesota State Mankato offers a prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing through its School of Nursing.

The program is a strong option for students who want:

• A traditional university experience
• A BSN at initial licensure
• Public-university tuition
• Access to broader campus resources
• A route into public health, leadership, or graduate nursing

Its first-time NCLEX-RN results show a marked upward trend:

• 2022: 72.34%
• 2023: 82.41%
• 2024: 96.49%
• 2025: 92.79%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 111

The 2024 and 2025 results are excellent, but the lower 2022 and 2023 rates explain why the four-year weighted result is more moderate.

Applicants should ask what curricular or student-support changes contributed to the improvement and whether those changes remain in place.

Cost Snapshot

For 2026–2027, published Minnesota-resident undergraduate tuition is:

• $375.25 per credit for 1–12 credits
• $4,799.20 per semester at the 13-credit-or-more band

Fees, nursing differential tuition, housing, food, books, equipment, and clinical costs may be additional.

Why It Stands Out

Minnesota State Mankato offers one of the strongest combinations of:

• BSN preparation
• Recent NCLEX performance
• Cohort size
• Public tuition
• Traditional campus experience

It is particularly attractive for students comparing a four-year public BSN against a lower-cost ADN-plus-RN-to-BSN strategy.

3. Bethel University

Best for: Consistent private-school NCLEX performance

Bethel University offers a prelicensure BSN in St. Paul and is approved to admit students without a prior bachelor's degree as well as students who already hold a bachelor's degree through its available tracks.

Its recent first-time NCLEX-RN results are among the most consistent in Minnesota:

• 2022: 86.25%
• 2023: 100%
• 2024: 94.74%
• 2025: 93.10%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 87

Across the four published years, Bethel's approximate weighted rate was 93.6%.

Cost Snapshot

For 2026–2027, Bethel lists:

• Tuition and fees: $26,700
• Room: $7,200
• Food: $6,550
• Total direct costs: $40,750

These are published undergraduate charges, not a guaranteed nursing-program total.

The student's actual net price can be substantially different after:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Federal aid
• Housing choice
• Transfer credit
• Prior-degree status

Why It Stands Out

Bethel is worth considering for students who prioritize:

• A private, faith-based university
• Stable NCLEX results
• A moderate-size cohort
• A BSN at entry to practice
• Both traditional and prior-degree entry options

Compare the financial-aid offer with public programs rather than rejecting or accepting Bethel based on sticker price.

4. Concordia College

Best for: A small-cohort BSN or accelerated second-degree pathway

Concordia College in Moorhead offers:

• A traditional undergraduate nursing pathway
• An accelerated BSN option for eligible students with a prior bachelor's degree

The Board reports:

• 2022 NCLEX-RN: 89.74%
• 2023 NCLEX-RN: 90.63%
• 2024 NCLEX-RN: 87.10%
• 2025 NCLEX-RN: 100%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 34

The 2025 result is excellent, but it came from a smaller cohort than several public programs.

Cost Snapshot

For 2026–2027, Concordia publishes:

• Undergraduate tuition: $32,900 per year
• Standard housing: $5,100
• Food: $6,780
• Required student, technology, and health fees: $880
• Total direct costs: $45,660

The accelerated nursing track uses a separate per-credit structure. Students entering that track should calculate the full sequence rather than use traditional undergraduate tuition.

Why It Stands Out

Concordia is a strong fit for students seeking:

• Smaller cohorts
• A liberal-arts environment
• Traditional or accelerated BSN entry
• Consistent multi-year NCLEX results
• Access to the Fargo-Moorhead healthcare market

Second-degree applicants should compare total tuition, prerequisite gaps, start frequency, and the amount of time they must remain out of full-time employment.

5. College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

Best for: A residential liberal-arts nursing education

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University jointly offer an undergraduate nursing curriculum.

The program may appeal to students who want:

• A residential college experience
• A liberal-arts foundation
• A BSN at entry
• Smaller classes than a large public university
• Access to healthcare organizations in central Minnesota

Recent first-time NCLEX-RN results were:

• 2022: 74.55%
• 2023: 92.65%
• 2024: 93.94%
• 2025: 90.77%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 65

The last three years show strong performance after the lower 2022 result.

Cost Snapshot

For 2026–2027, CSB+SJU publishes:

• Tuition and fees: $59,782
• Housing and food: $13,350
• Estimated books: $1,000

This is a high sticker price.

The schools also report that students receive financial assistance, so applicants should compare the final aid offer and projected debt rather than use the published price alone.

Why It Stands Out

CSB+SJU is most compelling when:

• Institutional aid materially reduces the price
• The student values a residential private-college environment
• Recent NCLEX consistency continues
• The four-year graduation plan is realistic

Ask for a nursing-specific degree map and a four-year net-price projection.

6. University of Minnesota

Best for: Flagship research, interprofessional learning, and major health-system exposure

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing offers its prelicensure BSN through the Twin Cities and Rochester locations identified by the Board.

The program's major strengths are not captured by NCLEX data alone.

Students may value:

• A major academic health-sciences environment
• Interprofessional education
• Research exposure
• Public health and population-health opportunities
• Access to complex healthcare systems
• A wide graduate and doctoral program ecosystem

Its BSN first-time NCLEX-RN record was:

• 2022: 85.07%
• 2023: 94.81%
• 2024: 92.59%
• 2025: 84.43%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 167

The 2025 rate fell below the national all-RN candidate rate.

Prospective students should not ignore that decline. Ask the School of Nursing:

• What contributed to the 2025 result?
• What changes have been made?
• What is the most recent graduation rate?
• What NCLEX-support resources are mandatory?
• Are outcomes different by location?

Cost Snapshot

For 2026–2027, University of Minnesota Twin Cities undergraduate tuition is:

• Minnesota resident: $8,372 per semester at 13 or more credits
• Nonresident: $20,390 per semester at 13 or more credits

Fees, housing, food, books, transportation, and nursing-related expenses are additional.

Why It Stands Out

The University of Minnesota remains a strong option for students who want a research-intensive health-sciences setting.

It should not automatically be chosen over a less expensive program with stronger current completion and NCLEX results.

The correct comparison is:

• Academic opportunity
• Net cost
• completion probability
• Clinical fit
• Recent outcomes
• Long-term goals

7. University of Northwestern–St. Paul

Best for: A smaller faith-based BSN with a strong four-year NCLEX record

University of Northwestern–St. Paul offers a Board-approved baccalaureate nursing program.

Its first-time NCLEX-RN results were:

• 2022: 88.89%
• 2023: 100%
• 2024: 95.00%
• 2025: 88.64%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 44

Its approximate weighted 2022–2025 rate was 92.5%.

Why It Stands Out

The program may suit students looking for:

• A private Christian university
• A smaller cohort
• Twin Cities access
• A BSN at initial licensure
• Strong multi-year exam performance

Request the current tuition, nursing fees, completion rate, financial-aid estimate, and clinical-travel expectations before comparing it with Bethel or public universities.

8. Winona State University

Best for: A large public BSN in southeastern Minnesota

Winona State offers its prelicensure BSN at Winona and Rochester.

The school reports:

• A traditional four-year prelicensure pathway
• Direct admission for qualifying students
• Simulation learning
• Regional clinical partnerships
• Eligibility for Minnesota Public Health Nurse registration after meeting requirements
• An online RN-to-BS completion option

Recent first-time NCLEX-RN results were:

• 2022: 76.77%
• 2023: 89.09%
• 2024: 81.71%
• 2025: 87.15%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 179

The program had the largest 2025 BSN cohort in the Board's table.

Its scale and public-university access are meaningful strengths, but the four-year exam record is uneven.

Cost Snapshot

For 2026–2027, Winona State lists:

• Minnesota-resident tuition: $4,766.03 per semester for 12–18 credits
• Winona campus fees: $699.96 per semester
• eWarrior laptop program: $485 per semester
• Nursing differential: $45.79 per nursing credit

Housing, food, books, transportation, and other clinical expenses are additional.

Why It Stands Out

Winona State is a credible option for students who want:

• Public BSN tuition
• Winona or Rochester access
• A large nursing department
• A traditional university experience
• A public-health nursing pathway

Applicants should ask for outcomes separated by campus and admission pathway if the school tracks them.

9. Alexandria Technical & Community College

Best for: Licensed practical nurses advancing to RN

The Minnesota Board identifies Alexandria Technical & Community College's associate degree nursing program as an LPN-only admission pathway.

That makes it inappropriate for a student with no practical-nursing license, but highly relevant to an LPN seeking RN preparation.

Its first-time NCLEX-RN results were:

• 2022: 91.67%
• 2023: 96.30%
• 2024: 95.83%
• 2025: 90.63%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 32

Its approximate four-year weighted rate was 93.5%.

Cost Snapshot

For 2026–2027, Alexandria publishes:

• On-campus tuition and fees: approximately $230.06 per credit
• PNSG/NURS/NSGA tuition and fees: approximately $265.65 per credit
• Program length: 64 credits

The college also publishes estimates for books, course fees, uniforms, equipment, and other required items.

Why It Stands Out

Alexandria offers:

• Strong four-year NCLEX consistency
• A defined LPN-to-RN route
• Public-college pricing
• Transparent program-cost categories

An LPN should verify how many credits are awarded through advanced standing and how long the remaining sequence will take.

10. Lake Superior College

Best for: ADN access in Duluth and northeastern Minnesota

Lake Superior College offers a Board-approved Associate of Science professional nursing program in Duluth.

Its first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes were:

• 2022: 85.29%
• 2023: 89.62%
• 2024: 92.86%
• 2025: 89.87%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 79

The results show a stable recent pattern without relying on a tiny cohort.

Cost Snapshot

For 2026–2027:

• Base on-campus tuition: approximately $187.41 per credit
• Professional nursing differential: $113.92 per ADN credit
• Total on-campus tuition for ADN-designated courses: approximately $301.33 per credit

General per-credit fees may also apply.

Why It Stands Out

Lake Superior College is a strong regional choice for students who:

• Live in or can relocate to Duluth
• Want an associate degree
• Prefer public-college pricing
• Plan to complete an RN-to-BSN later
• Want a program with consistent recent NCLEX results

Clinical travel can be significant in regional programs. Ask where placements occurred during the last academic year and whether a reliable vehicle is effectively required.

11. Normandale Community College

Best for: A Twin Cities ADN with strong multi-year outcomes

Normandale Community College in Bloomington offers an ACEN-accredited Associate of Science in Nursing.

The Board's first-time NCLEX-RN results were:

• 2022: 96.67%
• 2023: 93.85%
• 2024: 94.87%
• 2025: 89.47%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 38

Its approximate weighted rate across the four years was 94.2%, the strongest four-year result among the larger featured Minnesota ADN programs in this guide.

The 2025 decline should still be discussed with the school.

Cost Snapshot

Normandale's 2026–2027 published rates include:

• Standard on-campus tuition and fees: approximately $228.60 per credit
• Health-science tuition and fees: approximately $263.75 per credit

Nursing courses may have additional class or program fees.

Why It Stands Out

Normandale combines:

• Bloomington location
• Public-community-college pricing
• Strong four-year NCLEX performance
• ACEN accreditation
• An associate-degree route to RN licensure

Its own published completion data has varied by cohort. Applicants should compare the newest on-time and 150%-time completion results with the strong NCLEX record.

12. South Central College

Best for: Southern Minnesota ADN access and an improving NCLEX trend

South Central College offers a 64-credit Associate of Science in professional nursing at North Mankato and Faribault.

The program includes:

• A traditional RN route
• An LPN-to-RN transition pathway
• Fall and spring admission
• RN-to-BSN transfer arrangements

Its first-time NCLEX-RN performance was:

• 2022: 70.45%
• 2023: 87.23%
• 2024: 86.27%
• 2025: 95.83%
• 2025 first-time candidates: 48

The 2025 rate is excellent and reflects substantial improvement from 2022.

The four-year weighted figure remains lower because school selection should account for the full trend.

Accreditation Detail

The school reports ACEN continuing accreditation with conditions.

Because the page references a prior follow-up deadline, applicants should verify the current ACEN status directly in the accreditor's directory rather than rely on an older school-page statement.

Why It Stands Out

South Central may be a strong fit for:

• Students in southern Minnesota
• LPNs seeking RN advancement
• Students wanting two campus choices
• Applicants prioritizing recent improvement
• Students planning an RN-to-BSN transfer

Ask for updated completion data, current accreditation action, total program cost, and campus-specific clinical information.

Other Minnesota Programs Worth Comparing

The featured list is not the complete set of good nursing schools.

Other Board-approved programs may be a better fit because of location, admission timing, prior credit, or financial aid.

Options to compare include:

• Bemidji State University
• Bethany Lutheran College
• Central Lakes College
• Concordia University, St. Paul
• Crown College
• Gustavus Adolphus College
• Minnesota State College Southeast
• Minnesota West Community & Technical College
• North Hennepin Community College
• Pine Technical & Community College
• Rochester Community and Technical College
• Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
• St. Catherine University
• St. Cloud State University
• St. Olaf College
• University of St. Thomas

Do not assume that exclusion from a short featured list means poor quality.

For example, Saint Mary's University reported a 100% result in 2025, but only 11 first-time candidates were included and the program was new in the Board's table. That is promising, not enough evidence for a long-term conclusion.

Programs Requiring Extra Due Diligence

The Minnesota Board's 2025 annual report identifies programs that required additional regulatory attention because of NCLEX performance.

For professional RN programs, the Board required a corrective-action plan from:

• Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, associate degree
• Inver Hills Community College, associate degree
• Northwest Technical College, associate degree
• Rasmussen University–St. Cloud, associate degree
• Metropolitan State University, baccalaureate
• Minnesota State University Moorhead, baccalaureate

The Board also reported that the Rasmussen University–Moorhead associate degree program remained approved with a correction order issued in June 2025 after three consecutive years below the minimum standard.

This does not mean every affected program is closed or that no student should apply.

It means prospective students should ask:

• What action did the Board require?
• Is the plan or order still active?
• What outcomes have improved?
• Has faculty turnover affected the program?
• What happens if approval or accreditation changes?
• Is there a teach-out plan?
• Will credits transfer?

ADN Versus BSN in Minnesota

Both an approved associate degree and a prelicensure BSN can prepare a graduate to take the NCLEX-RN.

They differ in time, cost, curriculum, and career flexibility.

The lower-cost strategy is often:

1. Complete an ADN.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN.
3. Begin working.
4. Use employer tuition assistance for an RN-to-BSN.

That strategy works only if the student can enter and complete the ADN, secure RN employment, and manage work with later coursework.

A direct BSN may be more efficient when:

• The student wants the full university experience
• Aid makes the net cost competitive
• The student plans for public health or graduate school
• Local employers strongly prefer BSN graduates
• The student does not want to return to school while working

Read ADN vs. BSN: Which Nursing Degree Is Right for You? before choosing.

Accelerated Nursing Programs in Minnesota

An accelerated BSN is intended for a student who already holds a non-nursing bachelor's degree and has completed required prerequisites.

Minnesota Board listings identify prior-degree tracks at schools including:

• Bethel University
• College of St. Scholastica
• Concordia College

Entry-level master's options for non-nursing graduates are also listed at:

• Metropolitan State University
• St. Catherine University
• University of Minnesota
• University of St. Thomas

An entry-level master's is not automatically better than an accelerated BSN.

Compare:

• Total credits
• Total tuition
• Time out of the workforce
• Degree awarded
• NCLEX cohort outcomes
• Graduate-role eligibility
• Whether the master's is a generalist entry degree or prepares for advanced practice

An entry-level MSN does not by itself make the graduate a nurse practitioner.

LPN-to-RN Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota has several mobility programs designed for licensed practical nurses.

Board listings identify LPN-only associate-degree admission at:

• Alexandria Technical & Community College
• Northland Community & Technical College
• Pine Technical & Community College
• St. Cloud Technical & Community College

Other colleges, including Anoka-Ramsey and South Central, publish LPN transition options within their nursing offerings.

Before enrolling, ask:

• How much advanced-standing credit will I receive?
• Must my LPN license be active?
• Is work experience required?
• Does the program admit every semester?
• Are transition courses offered in summer?
• How many clinical days occur each week?
• Can I continue working as an LPN?
• What is the LPN-to-RN cohort's completion rate?

Minnesota Nursing School Tuition: What the Published Price Misses

Tuition is only one part of nursing-school cost.

A realistic budget should include:

• College application fee
• Nursing-program application fee
• Prerequisite courses
• Entrance testing
• Background study
• Fingerprinting, if required
• Drug screening
• Physical examination
• Immunizations and titers
• CPR certification
• Health insurance
• Uniforms and shoes
• Stethoscope and supplies
• Textbooks and digital platforms
• Simulation or laboratory fees
• Testing and remediation packages
• Laptop and technology requirements
• Parking, fuel, and clinical travel
• Childcare
• Lost work hours
• Graduation fee
• NCLEX registration
• Minnesota licensure application

Compare Net Price, Not Sticker Price

For each school:

1. File the FAFSA.
2. Obtain the official financial-aid offer.
3. Separate grants and scholarships from loans.
4. Calculate direct costs for every semester.
5. Add prerequisites and summer courses.
6. Add transportation and unpaid clinical time.
7. Subtract aid that does not need repayment.
8. Estimate total borrowing through graduation.
9. Compare the same degree pathway across schools.

A $60,000 private-school sticker price may fall substantially after aid. A low-cost public program may still become expensive if the student needs extra semesters, repeated courses, or long clinical travel.

Use the Nurse Salary Calculator to compare projected earnings, but do not justify excessive debt with an experienced-nurse wage.

How to Evaluate NCLEX Pass Rates Correctly

NCLEX data is important because graduates must pass the examination to become licensed.

It is not a complete measure of program quality.

Check Multiple Years

A one-year rate can change because:

• The cohort was small
• A few students passed or failed
• The program changed admission standards
• Curriculum changed
• Faculty changed
• Graduates delayed testing

Review at least three years when possible.

Check Cohort Size

Four students passing produces 100%.

Ninety of 92 students passing produces 97.8%.

Both are high rates, but the larger cohort provides more evidence of repeatable performance.

Check Completion Rates

NCLEX statistics describe candidates who reached the exam.

They do not show how many admitted students:

• Withdrew
• Failed a course
• Repeated a semester
• Changed majors
• Were dismissed
• Graduated late

A program can produce a high NCLEX rate by allowing only its strongest students to finish.

Ask About First-Time and Eventual Pass Rates

First-time performance matters, but an eventual pass rate can show whether graduates who initially fail later succeed.

Ask how the school supports:

• Students at academic risk
• English-language learners
• Repeat testers
• Students returning after leave
• Students with test accommodations

Minnesota RN Employment and Pay

Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development reported:

• Approximately 64,740 registered nurses employed statewide
• A statewide median wage of $49.19 per hour
• Projected RN employment growth of 5.3% from 2022 to 2032

Those figures describe the occupation across experience levels and settings.

They are not a new-graduate salary guarantee.

Actual pay can vary by:

• Region
• Employer
• Specialty
• Union contract
• Experience
• Shift
• Differential
• Overtime
• Full-time, part-time, or casual status

The same state data show meaningful regional differences. A graduate comparing schools should consider where they expect to live and work, not only the statewide wage.

School-reported job placement also requires context. Ask:

• Does the rate include only survey respondents?
• How many graduates responded?
• Does any job count, or only RN employment?
• How soon after graduation is placement measured?
• Are graduates who continue school counted separately?

Minnesota Is Not an NLC State

As of July 28, 2026, Minnesota is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

A 2026 bill that would have enacted the compact failed to advance from a Minnesota House committee on an 11–11 vote.

This matters because graduating from a Minnesota nursing school does not create a multistate license.

After graduation, a typical Minnesota licensure path includes:

1. Complete a Board-approved nursing program.
2. Apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing for licensure by examination.
3. Register for the NCLEX-RN.
4. Complete required background-study steps.
5. Receive authorization to test.
6. Pass the NCLEX-RN.
7. Receive the Minnesota license after all requirements are satisfied.

A Minnesota resident who becomes licensed in Minnesota generally needs separate authority to practice in another state.

Minnesota has a limited border-state recognition process, but it is not the same as the NLC and does not provide broad multistate authority.

Clinical Education in Minnesota

Minnesota students may complete clinical learning in:

• Academic medical centers
• Regional hospitals
• Community hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Behavioral health settings
• Public health agencies
• Clinics
• Home and community care
• Rural healthcare organizations
• Simulation laboratories

The Board permits high-fidelity simulation to replace no more than half of the time designated for clinical requirements under the applicable rule framework.

A school listing famous healthcare systems nearby does not guarantee placement in a particular hospital, unit, or specialty.

Ask each program:

• Which facilities hosted students last year?
• How far may students be assigned from campus?
• Are evening, night, or weekend clinicals possible?
• Can students decline a distant placement?
• Is a car required?
• How much simulation replaces direct patient care?
• How are pediatric, obstetric, psychiatric, and community experiences delivered?
• What happens when a clinical site cancels?

Minnesota Nursing School Admission Requirements

Requirements vary by program.

Common prerequisites include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• College mathematics or statistics
• English composition
• Psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Nutrition
• Communication

Programs may also require:

• Minimum cumulative GPA
• Minimum prerequisite GPA
• Minimum science grade
• TEAS, HESI, or another entrance assessment
• Nursing assistant experience or certification
• CPR certification
• Personal statement
• References
• Interview
• Background-study eligibility
• Health and immunization documentation

Admission to the college is not the same as admission to the nursing major.

Read Nursing School Prerequisites: What Classes Do You Need? and map every prerequisite before applying.

Questions to Ask Every Minnesota Nursing Program

Ask these questions in writing:

• Is this exact campus and track currently Board-approved?
• Which nursing accreditor covers this program?
• Is accreditation continuing, conditional, on warning, or under review?
• What were the last four first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates?
• How many first-time candidates tested each year?
• What percentage of admitted students graduate on time?
• What percentage graduate within 150% of expected time?
• How many students repeat a nursing course?
• What causes dismissal?
• Can a dismissed student reapply?
• What is the full estimated program cost?
• Which costs are not included in tuition?
• How many clinical miles should I expect?
• Are clinicals offered on nights or weekends?
• Can I work during the program?
• What tutoring and NCLEX support are included?
• Which credits transfer into an RN-to-BSN?
• Does the curriculum meet requirements where I plan to seek licensure?

Nursing School Red Flags

Proceed carefully if a program:

• Is missing from the Board's approved list
• Cannot name its nursing accreditor
• Avoids publishing NCLEX outcomes
• Advertises only its highest historical rate
• Reports pass rates without cohort size
• Refuses to provide completion data
• Guarantees admission or licensure
• Pressures immediate enrollment
• Gives an incomplete cost estimate
• Says clinical placements are “online”
• Cannot explain Board or accreditation conditions
• Claims Minnesota currently issues compact licenses
• Promises credits will transfer everywhere
• Uses job-placement claims without defining the denominator

A reputable program should answer specific questions with documents.

Application Strategy

Nursing admission can be competitive.

Apply strategically:

1. Choose the degree pathway first.
2. Confirm Board approval and accreditation.
3. Build a list of reach, target, and safer-admission options.
4. Compare prerequisite equivalencies.
5. Track separate college and nursing deadlines.
6. Complete entrance testing early.
7. Apply for aid at every school.
8. Compare net price only after official offers arrive.
9. Keep proof of every submitted item.
10. Do not enroll in unnecessary prerequisites without written transfer confirmation.

Applying to one program creates unnecessary risk.

Different schools may calculate GPA differently, accept different course ages, or give different weight to entrance exams and healthcare experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best nursing school in Minnesota?

There is no single best program for every student.

Anoka-Ramsey stands out for recent ADN performance and value. Minnesota State Mankato offers a strong public BSN combination. Bethel has one of the most consistent private BSN records. The University of Minnesota offers a major research and health-sciences environment but had a lower 2025 BSN pass rate.

2. Which Minnesota nursing school had the highest 2025 NCLEX-RN pass rate?

Several programs reported 100%, including some with very small cohorts.

Among featured programs with at least 30 first-time candidates, Concordia College reported 100% for 34 candidates. Anoka-Ramsey reported 96.74% for 92 candidates, and South Central reported 95.83% for 48.

3. What was Minnesota's 2025 NCLEX-RN pass rate?

First-time candidates educated in Minnesota RN programs had an overall pass rate of 83.44% in 2025.

The comparable U.S. all-RN candidate rate was 86.71%.

4. Are all Minnesota nursing programs accredited?

The Minnesota Board's 2025 annual report stated that all Minnesota prelicensure nursing programs were nationally accredited at that time.

Students must still verify the current status of the exact program and campus because accreditation can change.

5. Is Minnesota a Nurse Licensure Compact state?

No.

As of July 28, 2026, Minnesota is not an NLC member. A 2026 compact bill failed to advance from a House committee.

6. Can I become an RN with an associate degree in Minnesota?

Yes.

A graduate of a Board-approved associate degree nursing program can apply for RN licensure by examination, satisfy Board requirements, and take the NCLEX-RN.

7. Is an ADN or BSN better in Minnesota?

An ADN is often the lower-cost and faster route to RN eligibility. A BSN provides broader undergraduate preparation and may improve access to some hospital, leadership, public health, military, or graduate pathways.

Compare total debt and completion probability rather than degree label alone.

8. What is the most affordable nursing school in Minnesota?

Public community and technical colleges generally publish the lowest tuition.

Anoka-Ramsey, Alexandria Technical & Community College, Lake Superior College, Normandale, and South Central are worth comparing. The cheapest option depends on nursing differentials, prerequisites, aid, transportation, and time to completion.

9. Does the University of Minnesota have a good nursing program?

The University offers substantial research, interprofessional, and academic health-system opportunities.

Its BSN first-time NCLEX-RN rate was 84.43% in 2025 after rates above 92% in 2023 and 2024. Applicants should consider the full academic environment while asking direct questions about the 2025 decline.

10. Are there accelerated BSN programs in Minnesota?

Yes.

Board listings identify prior-degree tracks at schools including Bethel University, the College of St. Scholastica, and Concordia College. Requirements, length, tuition, and start dates vary.

11. Are there LPN-to-RN programs in Minnesota?

Yes.

Minnesota offers LPN-only mobility programs and transition tracks. Alexandria Technical & Community College is one example with strong recent NCLEX results. Verify advanced-standing credit and admission requirements.

12. How competitive are Minnesota nursing programs?

Selectivity varies.

Strong grades in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and other prerequisites can matter. Programs may also use entrance testing, course attempts, prior healthcare experience, and residency or service-area factors.

13. Can I attend nursing school online in Minnesota?

Prelicensure nursing education cannot be completed entirely online because students need skills, simulation, and supervised clinical learning.

Some lectures may be online or hybrid. RN-to-BSN completion programs for already licensed nurses are more commonly available online.

14. What should I verify before accepting a nursing-school offer?

Verify:

• Current Board approval
• Current nursing accreditation
• Total cost
• Completion rate
• Multi-year NCLEX results
• Clinical schedule and travel
• Admission conditions
• Transferability
• Licensure disclosures for the state where you plan to work

Get important answers in writing.

The Bottom Line

Minnesota has strong ADN and BSN options, but no school should be selected from a single pass rate or brand name.

The strongest current combinations include:

• Anoka-Ramsey for a high-performing, affordable ADN
• Minnesota State Mankato for a public BSN with strong recent results
• Bethel for consistent private BSN performance
• Concordia College for a smaller traditional or accelerated BSN
• Normandale for strong multi-year Twin Cities ADN outcomes
• Alexandria Technical & Community College for LPN-to-RN mobility

Build a short list based on the pathway you need, then compare approval, accreditation, completion, four-year NCLEX performance, cohort size, net price, and clinical logistics.

The best nursing school is not simply the program that admits you.

It is the program that gives you a realistic, affordable path from admission to graduation, NCLEX success, licensure, and safe entry into nursing practice.