nursingadmissionscareersMinnesota

Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 28, 2026

Minnesota has 20 accredited nursing programs ranging from affordable community colleges to prestigious universities. Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and career outcomes to find your ideal nursing school.

Overview of Nursing Education in Minnesota

Minnesota offers prospective nursing students an exceptional range of educational pathways. The state hosts 20 accredited nursing programs across 8 community colleges and 12 universities, making it one of the most accessible states for nursing education. Whether you're looking for an affordable Associate's degree or a doctoral-level program, Minnesota's nursing schools deliver quality education at competitive prices.

The nursing profession in Minnesota is robust and growing. Registered nurses in Minnesota earn competitive salaries, with earnings varying significantly based on education level—from $57,007 annually with an Associate's degree to over $123,000 with a Doctoral degree. This guide will help you navigate your options and choose the program that aligns with your career goals and financial situation.

Top University Nursing Programs in Minnesota

Research-Intensive Flagship Programs

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands as Minnesota's premier research institution for nursing education. Located in Minneapolis, this public university enrolls 30,469 students and maintains a 77% acceptance rate with an impressive 84.6% graduation rate—the highest among Minnesota's public universities. In-state tuition is $16,488 per year. Graduates with doctoral degrees earn an average of $117,039 annually, reflecting the program's emphasis on advanced practice and leadership roles. UMN-Twin Cities is ideal for students seeking research opportunities and academic prestige.

Winona State University (Winona) offers a strong alternative with a more selective admissions process. With a 68.5% acceptance rate and 60.7% graduation rate, Winona State charges $10,498 per year in-state tuition—significantly less than UMN-Twin Cities. Doctoral-degree nursing graduates earn $111,705 annually, making this an excellent value proposition. The university's smaller enrollment (5,088 students) provides more personalized instruction than larger institutions.

Mid-Tier Public Universities

Minnesota State University-Mankato (Mankato) is the most affordable public university option, with in-state tuition of just $9,490 per year. The school maintains a 91.3% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants, though its 53.3% graduation rate suggests students should be prepared for rigorous coursework. Nursing graduates with master's degrees earn $102,706 annually. With 11,325 students, Mankato offers a balanced campus experience.

Minnesota State University Moorhead (Moorhead) provides another budget-friendly option at $10,336 per year in-state tuition. This program is more selective, with a 52.6% acceptance rate and 55% graduation rate. Master's-degree nursing graduates earn $93,938 annually. The smaller enrollment (3,120 students) creates a tighter-knit academic community.

Saint Cloud State University (Saint Cloud) has the highest acceptance rate among Minnesota's public universities at 95%, making it one of the most accessible options. However, the 45.5% graduation rate is a consideration—students should assess their readiness for independent study. In-state tuition is $10,117 per year. Bachelor's-degree graduates earn $68,544 annually.

Metropolitan State University (Saint Paul) is the most accessible option overall, with a 96.5% acceptance rate and the lowest public university tuition at $9,780 per year. The 35.5% graduation rate is the lowest among public universities, suggesting this program serves students who may need additional support services. Doctoral-degree graduates earn $100,485 annually.

Bemidji State University (Bemidji) serves northern Minnesota with in-state tuition of $10,164 per year, a 70.7% acceptance rate, and a 51.6% graduation rate. Bachelor's-degree nursing graduates earn $65,173 annually. The smaller enrollment (3,120 students) appeals to students seeking a more intimate college experience.

Private Nonprofit Universities

St. Olaf College (Northfield) is Minnesota's most expensive nursing program at $56,970 per year, but it delivers exceptional outcomes. The school maintains a 52.1% acceptance rate and an impressive 84.2% graduation rate—competitive with UMN-Twin Cities. Bachelor's-degree graduates earn $67,970 annually. St. Olaf's high tuition reflects its elite liberal arts mission and strong student support systems.

Concordia University-Saint Paul (Saint Paul) offers a middle ground at $25,000 per year tuition with a 74.9% acceptance rate and 55% graduation rate. Bachelor's-degree nursing graduates earn $73,235 annually. With 2,786 students, Concordia provides a faith-based, community-oriented education.

Private For-Profit Universities

Walden University (Minneapolis) specializes in graduate and doctoral nursing education, with tuition of $12,498 per year. Doctoral-degree graduates earn the highest average salary among all Minnesota nursing programs: $123,708 annually. Walden enrolls 7,337 students and is ideal for working professionals seeking flexible, online-accessible advanced degrees.

Capella University (Minneapolis) also focuses on graduate education, charging $14,436 per year. Graduate certificate holders earn $111,687 annually. With 16,173 students, Capella is one of Minnesota's largest nursing educators.

Rasmussen University-Minnesota (St. Cloud) serves students seeking affordable for-profit education at $10,899 per year. The 50.9% graduation rate reflects the program's accessibility to non-traditional students. Master's-degree graduates earn $89,809 annually. Enrollment is 8,033 students.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Minnesota's 8 community colleges offer the most budget-friendly entry into nursing through Associate's degree programs (ADN). These programs typically cost $4,957 to $6,359 per year in tuition and prepare students for the NCLEX-RN in just 2 years.

Best Value Community Colleges

St Cloud Technical and Community College (Saint Cloud) is Minnesota's most affordable option at $4,957 per year. Associate's-degree graduates earn $62,138 annually. With only 2,808 students, this program offers personalized attention.

North Hennepin Community College (Brooklyn Park) charges $5,050 per year—the second-lowest tuition. Graduates earn $63,931 annually. This program serves the Minneapolis metro area effectively.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College (Coon Rapids) costs $5,682 per year with associate's graduates earning $62,625 annually. Enrollment of 3,983 students provides a moderate-sized learning environment.

Established Community College Programs

Minnesota State Community and Technical College (Fergus Falls) charges $5,900 per year, with graduates earning $57,007 annually—the lowest among community colleges. This program serves rural Minnesota effectively.

Century College (White Bear Lake) costs $6,182 per year, with graduates earning $60,728 annually. Enrollment of 5,971 students makes this one of the largest community college nursing programs.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College (Minneapolis) charges $6,128 per year with graduate earnings of $61,993 annually. Serving 4,816 students, this program is well-established in the Twin Cities.

Normandale Community College (Bloomington) costs $6,321 per year, with graduates earning $62,435 annually. At 6,040 students, Normandale is one of Minnesota's largest community colleges.

Rochester Community and Technical College (Rochester) charges $6,359 per year—the highest among community colleges—but graduates earn $65,628 annually, the highest associate's-degree salary. This program serves southeastern Minnesota.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Consider Your Educational Goals

Bachelor's degree (BSN): Choose a 4-year university program if you aspire to leadership roles, advanced practice, or doctoral education. Universities like UMN-Twin Cities and Winona State offer strong BSN foundations.

Associate's degree (ADN): Community colleges provide the fastest, most affordable path to RN licensure. You can bridge to a BSN later through RN-to-BSN programs.

Master's or Doctoral degree: If you already hold a bachelor's degree or want advanced specialization, programs at Walden, Capella, and university graduate programs offer flexible, specialized options.

Evaluate Graduation Rates

Graduation rates vary dramatically—from 35.5% at Metropolitan State to 84.6% at UMN-Twin Cities. Higher graduation rates indicate strong student support systems, but lower rates don't necessarily mean poor quality; they may reflect open-admission policies serving non-traditional students. Assess your own academic readiness honestly.

Factor in Total Cost

Community college path: $4,957–$6,359/year × 2 years = $9,914–$12,718 total

Public university path: $9,490–$16,488/year × 4 years = $37,960–$65,952 total

Private nonprofit: $25,000–$56,970/year × 4 years = $100,000–$227,880 total

For-profit universities: $10,899–$14,436/year for graduate programs

Many students pursue the community college route first, then transfer to a university for a bachelor's degree, combining affordability with credential advancement.

Consider Location and Campus Size

Minnesota's geography matters. Northern students may prefer Bemidji State or Minnesota State Moorhead. Twin Cities students have the most options. Rural students benefit from Rochester or Fergus Falls community colleges.

Campus size ranges from 2,786 (Concordia) to 30,469 (UMN-Twin Cities). Smaller schools offer more personalized attention; larger schools provide more research and clinical opportunities.

Minnesota's Nursing Job Market

Minnesota consistently ranks among the top states for nursing employment and salaries. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development projects continued growth in healthcare occupations through 2032.

RN salaries in Minnesota vary by setting and specialty:

Hospital staff nurses: $65,000–$80,000 annually
Advanced practice nurses (NP, CRNA): $100,000–$130,000+ annually
Nurse managers and educators: $80,000–$110,000 annually

Major healthcare employers include Mayo Clinic (Rochester), University of Minnesota Medical Center, Hennepin Healthcare, Allina Health, and HealthPartners. These systems actively recruit new graduates and often offer tuition reimbursement programs.

Nursing shortages in Minnesota create strong job security and competitive salaries, particularly in rural areas and specialty units (ICU, OR, ED).

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Minnesota

Federal and State Resources

FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov to access federal grants, loans, and work-study
Minnesota State Grant Program: Provides need-based grants to Minnesota residents attending eligible institutions
Minnesota Nursing Loan Repayment Program: Offers loan repayment assistance for nurses working in underserved areas

Institutional Aid

Most Minnesota nursing schools offer scholarships and grants. Contact financial aid offices directly—many schools have nursing-specific scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 annually.

Employer Sponsorship

Major healthcare systems offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing nursing degrees. Some programs pay 100% of tuition for part-time students working in their facilities.

Professional Organizations

The Minnesota Nurses Association and specialty nursing organizations (AACN, NCSBN) offer scholarships to members and their families.

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

You've learned about Minnesota's 20 nursing programs—now it's time to compare them side-by-side. Visit GradeToGrad's nursing program search to:

Filter programs by degree type (ADN, BSN, Master's, Doctoral)
Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduation rates
Read student reviews and alumni outcomes
Access contact information for admissions offices
Build a personalized college list

Start your nursing school search today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. Minnesota's diverse nursing programs ensure that whether you're budget-conscious, academically ambitious, or seeking flexible online options, there's a perfect fit for your nursing education journey.